bot dotted
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Dotting.
It was a little quiet on the Eclipse as the team waited for the green light. Mainly just for the credits to pass through. This mission was risky, incredibly risky but the reward was going to be damn lucrative. It would set the team up for awhile if all things panned out. The amount? To the tune of millions per individual. It was going to be the best payout in the entire crews history together, the Sunrunners would finally be able to start carving out a section in the stars for themselves. Though your crew weren't the only ones intending to make a profit off of it. Just looking out the windows of the ship you can see numerous amount of ships just floating out in dead of space at the meet up, all aligned towards the planet that was now going to be well known for this oncoming battle. The ships radar showed a more impressive display of ships and the contacts pan was too numerous to shift through now but this was going to be the largest battle in this Nebula to date.
The payout even attracted the Black Wolves, the most notorious and well armed mercenary gang in the sector, they were so powerful they had a dreadnought in their employ, crewed by hundreds of people, if not close to thousands. They were almost the sectors police force as many corporations employed them for their services.
The dull hum of the engine could be heard, soft vibrations rolling through the ship. It was time to get the last of your combat gear set and get situated. It was going to be one hell of a ride.
Tamm laid his gear out and went over it for the third time and couldn’t help but feel he had forgotten something. Bayonet, check, he thinks as he pats the sheath on his forearm. He continues mentally through his check list and is finally satisfied that he has not forgotten anything. As the ship hums he places a hand on the bulk head and nods his head approvingly and asks the ship, ”What do ya think Luv?” Tamm laughs and says ”We’ll have to see about that, I better get to the bridge and see how the rest of the crew is coming along.” He turns to leave and gives the bulkhead on last slap, making his way to the bridge.
Rio settles in to the Pilots seat, doing a final pre-flight checklist. All systems optimal, backups on stand-by, ready-to-go. Shields up, weapons on stand-by.
I'm showing all systems optimal. Rio says into the shipwide communications. Linc, mind doing a final visual inspection in Cargo. I want to make sure everything's secure just in case things get hairy. I've got a good feeling about this job. Rio out. Rio finishes as he releases the com.
A intercome opened up right next to Matthias, a little ball like hologram appears hovering over your console, like one big mechanical object that almost looked like a camera lens type eye.
"All locks secures. Chemical readout in space nominal. Engines, nominal. All green across the board." came a electronic female voice. "I have new mission debriefing, just received from Liender Hulls Incorporated. Black Wolves Merc Company is requesting a fleet wide communication link." The ship's artificial intelligence reported to Matthias. It's hologram seemingly blinked in his direction.
There's a surprise. Rio muses. Ok, patch us in.
"Ofcourse." the voice chimed before the hologram disappeared. It was replaced with a ship wide communication link. There was silence before a voice cleared their throat.
"Greetings fellow fortune seekers!" It was a females voice, "I'm sure you all know this is going to be a gritty fight ahead of us. Reportidly Xul had managed to scrounge up quite the opposition, though luckily, if our intel is good... were the only side with a dreadnought."
"Now I would like the cooperation of all you fellow companies. If we want to win this battle and add a good couple million credits into our bank accounts, I would advise you to heed my orders. I'll shortly detail our plan of attack. We will have a heavy space engagement, were going to have to punch through their front-lines and get our smaller ships down to the surface with the crews who have the better ground troops. I advise you to check in with my captains with your crew loadout and equipment and await further orders." A bit commanding she was, though their reputation precede them in this situation.
The hologram reappeared over the console, "Should I send our logs to the Black Wolves?" the A.I. inquired.
Great, Tamm thinks as he listens to the com link. He reaches into the upper arm pocket of his space suit and pulls out a piece of gum and begins to chew it. Arriving at the bridge he asks Rio, "What do you think about that request?"
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Brintak shuddered with the ship's engines as they settled into stationary orbit. Sitting cross-legged on the floor of his bunk, he slowly opened one eye and looked around his spartan sleep area. Everything was in place. Nodding his head, he stood up and made his way to the bridge. Giving a nod of respect to the captain, he asked, "What shall my orders be, captain?"
Send'em our logs.
Looking at Tamm and Brintak, It's not an unusual request. If I was calling the shots, I'd want to know what my assets were and how best to use them for the biggest payoff. Rio cooly says.
As for orders, we wait and find out how they think we can be used. Then we figure out how to uae that to our advantage. I think we'll be bettwr suited for ground operations, but that remains to be seen.
Also entering the bridge, Tek finishes checking his pistol--again--and slides it back into its holster. The heavy slugthrower joins the other three secured to the Vaedi's sides in a crossing shoulder rig under his combat vest. Those, coupled with the blasters on his thighs, the vibroblade hilts poking just over his shoulders, the shock gauntlets on his hands, and the grenades clipped to his vest (not to mention the knives and laser pistols doubtless stashed in less obvious positions), make it clear that the mercenary is ready for combat.
Stretching out his shoulders, he brushes his tousled black hair behind his ears and flops easily into a seat. "Sending out our details to the Wolves? You sure that's a good idea, Matt? Was it in the plans for the battle before we got here?" He reaches down and pulls out one of the knives--they're tucked in his boots today--and begins wiping it on a spare cloth hanging off his belt, running the molecular edge between pinched fingers. "What are we thinking, cap?"
Rio turns to look at Tekumsah, face becoming thoughtful, considering his concerns. I hear you Tek. Weren't much info in the battle plans, so I'm guessing there's more opposition than their intel showed. Right now I'm willing to go along, to get along, but only so far. It's risky giving'em our logs. However, we haven't had too much chance to make the Eclipse anything other more. Rio's face lights up with a mischievous smirk, Besides, once they see the logs they're gonna question whether er'not everything is on the up and up. Let'em stew on it.
Lincoln is busy in the ship hold, sketching and measuring the compartment, figuring out ways to perhaps add hidden compartments, and storage area's when he gets the hailing.
Oh well then... another time.
He then hustles to the bridge to hear the others conferring.
"I guess we should share our logs. We should really look into either buying or developing another less... revealing set of logs for situations like this. I'll add it to my list.
"We weren't going to be able to do this on our own anyway, so we might as well tie ourselves to the big dogs. Maybe we're small enough, that we can sneak in and steal a prime apple or two, before the buffet begins. Let's play along for now".
Rio nods at Lincoln's agreement. Good idea Linc. That'll come in handy once we really start to personalize Eclipse.
Turning to Brintak, Brintak, are you able to get premonitions or anything that can give us an edge?
"More enemies than their intel thought?" Tek echoes Rio's words, frowning. He slides the knife back into its boot sheath and taps his fingers on the console, careful not to hit any buttons as both hands move in unison. "Sounds about usual."
As the others continue conversing, Tek rolls out of his seat and trots off toward the cabins. "I'm gonna go throw my holdouts in my field pack. Just in case things head south while we're on the ground, assuming we make it that far."
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Brintak shook his head with a sigh. "While undoubtably useful in the grand scheme of things, my abilities are so far limited to enhancing my physical prowess," he explained in a quiet voice, occasionally clicking his tongue between words. "However, I do not need the power of precognition to know that things will go wrong at some point in our endeavors."
"Of course sir. Sending logs now." The ship AI responded. There seemed to be some windows appear on some of the consoles only for a brief moment as the AI gathered all necessary information before sending it off.
"Message sent. Also Sir, I'm receiving new information from Leinder Hulls. The briefing that came in describes a three phase attack. We of course are going to breach their planetary defenses, when that's passed we have to assault their base. Once we secured a foothold then we have to drive into the heart and secure the base and prepare it for Leinder's Recovery carriers and personnel. They make mention of their being heavy opposition. They also make note of planet to orbital weaponry being employed at the base."
There was suddenly a brilliant light blue flash that appeared out your windows. Before their was any form of feedback that hit the ship there was another flash and the ship was gone. Suddenly their was a crack in the comms. "Get your s#@# ready boys, they seem to be making the first move. Someone leaked our position! That was an enemies recon! Get to battle-stations, align to planet. My captains are sending you tactical data now. Your ships AI's will handle most information and relay to you the necessary information. Black Wolf-" Another voice crackled over the communications, interrupting the Black Wolf commander.
"This is Shield Company, I say we strike now! Hit them hard and fast. We don't need any of this fancy footwork to make the pay. Besides, do we want to be Black Wolves lackeys? I'm honestly tired of them being too big for their britches!" It appeared a more vocal mercenary company was in the mix. The Shield Company hadn't originated in the Centuria Sector, this was actually a local company founded by the larger one based in the Terminus Sector. "They just want to sit back and let us grunts do all the dirty work while they get their ego's masturbated to and get our cuts!"
"Shut it you idiot!" An older males voiced came over the comms. "If you want to go jump in the fire, be our guest, but don't start disorganizing the troops because you got to make trouble. If Black Wolf company can help most of us survive this, then why the hell not? But be our guests, in the least you'll distract their cannon fire for a couple seconds. Red Eagle Out."
As he hears the comments coming over the comms, Great, we're already seeing who can piss the farthest.
He removes the gum from his mouth and places it in a wad on the outside of his helmet. Where is sticks along with several other previously discarded pieces. "We best be ready boys,this may be a little harder then we first thought." He presses a button on the side of his helmet and the transparent face plate closes with a whoosh.
Back in the cabin Tek only catches a few snatches of the conversation, but he hears enough to know things are going south quick. Just like always. He grumbles to himself as he sweeps most of his belongings into a compressed duffel pack, which he shoulders over his vest. Geared up, he hustles back to the bridge and slides back into a chair.
"Roger that, Zach. We're sticking with the Wolves, then? They seem to have the best tactical information and strategy for this battle, and I'd rather not go charging in headlong just because some blowhard thinks it's a good idea."
Tamm nods his head, "Stick with the plan. The wolves still seem to have the odds in their favor." He moves to a vacant chair and straps himself in.
I'll keep that in mind Brintak. And don't be so optomistic. It's never a matter of if, but when. Rio respinds. His eyes widen at what's missing when the light dissipates. He shakes his head at the at comm chatter. Just once I wish we didn't have to work with someone that's S.O.S. Rio thinks to himself.
Always at least one hothead in the bunch. Rio says not quite under his breath to no one in particular.
Shield Company is going to get pounded. I agree, we stick with the Wolves. Though if I was the Wolves, I would've planned for something like Shield Company. Rio voices out loud.
Rio's voice changes, becoming calm and commanding as he issues orders to the Sunrunners and the Eclipse, Eclipse. Acknowledge our orders. Battlestations. Brintak, Tek, hop on guns. Linc, keep an eye on Ships defenses and engines. Zach, let's see if we can't find a weak point to target. Rio rapidly issues orders, his voice calm and cool, demeanor collected. Let's go earn our pay and show who the Sunrunners are.
"Screw you and the rest of you Red Eagles, I have half a mind to-"
"Quiet!" came a booming voice over the intercoms, "Were in this together, stop bickering with each other and for once work together. If we don't then a whole lot of us are going to die here. Act like true mercenaries you are. Were being paid a load of money to do a job, and we are damn sure were going to do it right. As Leinder Hulls Incorporated motioned, their paying half now, and half when the jobs done. Once we see those green lights flicker, then were going for it. No follow your organizational orders and get ready to jump."
It was almost too perfect of a timing as your ships AI chimed in, "Sir, we received the first half of the payment. Approximately around five million credits have been deposited into our account." Now if that wasn't sticker shock. "They organized us in the initial rush wave Sir. They are going to run screens to allow us to touch first. Due to us having the mech suits, we will be wanting to deploy with them. Smaller fighters will be escorting us and supporting our landing procedures. Due to planetary defenses we will have to punch right through their lines. We are being accompanied by the Red Eagles, Gray Bears, Pulsars, Lancers and our fighter escort will be provided by The United Militia. The large ships will be entangling with their main fleet to provide us the cover to make our landings."
"Alright ladies!" came the commander's voice, "Warm your guns because were jumping on... 3... 2... 1... Now!"
Without your command, the ships FTL drives began to spool up in harmony with the entire assembled fleet.
In timed unison the fleet jumped, the portal of the ship was always a magnificent display of warmed colors, the nebula around you always became quite clear with the stars moving slowly past. When you dropped out of the jump, a unfriendly sight awaited you. The small inconspicuous planet was blotted by a thick throng of ships. It was an eerie feeling, the first few seconds before a battle began. The stillness before the storm.
A thundering rumble came over the ship, accompanied by a large plasma shot rocketed towards the mass of ships. It must've struck true as a cluster of explosions appeared. The trade of blows began from the larger ships, the shots always sending out chilling vibrations across the hull from the stillness of space. The smaller ships began to make their move to close the distance.
"Engage! Engage! Complete your missions and we all come out of this several million richer!" A cry rose up as everyone chimed in, engines flaring to live all around you as the battle truly began.
"Red Eagle here, we got your back Sunrunners. Me and the rest of the boys and girls here follow your lead."
Fighter's flew ahead of you, their small agile hulls shooting towards the planet. "Militia running screen, got boggies incoming, other fights which we will handle, but they seem to have several cruisers on intercept course. Get your arses ready!"
Listening to the chatter on the comms he thinks, Same story different day. Aloud he asks, [b]"Who's gonna man the Mechs?"[b]
Rio, though surprised at the payment up front, does not show it.
All right, Tek and Zach, mount up in the Mechs. Brintak, man the ship's guns.
Rio smoothly moves his hands over the helm controls, initiating a series of evasive maneuvers to make it harder for incoming fire to strike the Eclipse. Here we go Sunrunners. Rio says as he pushes the Eclipse to accelerate to full speed.
Tamm nods his head at Rio's order, Why do I always get stuck inside one of these tin cans?. He makes his way to the armory and powers up the Mech in bay one. He quickly walks around the exterior of the Mech and inspects it. Finding no deficiencies he climbs into it and goes through the start up checklist. The HUD confirms that all systems are online and operating at capacity.
Tamm activates the Mechs comms, Mech 1 is operational all systems are a go. Initiating launch procedures ready for implementation on your Mark.
Since he was assigned no role for the upcoming battle, Lincoln settles into the co-pilots chair, and jacks in. "Let me know where you need backup". he quips with a smile and a wink.
Everyone could feel the rumble of the ships engines flare to life though the inertia one would feel on a planet was missing, having to thank the inertia stabilizers and the ships artificial gravity for that.
A hologram on the ships consoles appeared to the right of Rio, showing the full scan range of the ship. Little blue and red shapes appeared on the read out, those that could be identified has little text readouts of who the ships belonged to. The blue of course read out your allies, and the red were the enemies. Gauging from the mass of red dots your ship was approaching was a good telling of how rough the ride was going to be.
The cockpits of the weapon platforms, which were all conveniently located in gunnery bay of the ship. How the consoles for the weapon platforms worked was that a virtual feed was relayed to the user with a holographic layover of ships in range. Each being represented with a marker of their distance. This section of the ship was fortified much like the bridge to keep the gun crew as safe as possible to fight to the very last of the ships capabilities.
The ships were coming in fast now. Your entire field of view of the battle was one sided as you were the tip of the spear. The enemies capital ships were firing full volleys into your side, but they were receiving the same harassment.
Three cruisers are on an intercept route. One of the three is trailing behind but your sensors flare to live as multiple missiles pop up on the radar, heading right in your direction.
Three enemy cruisers are 600 meters out.
Enemy fighters are occupied with the Militia fighters.
Missile barrage incoming, count: 10
Tek stands by, tapping on his blasters and cracking his neck. At the order to man the Mechs, he nods and launches his way to the hall, moving quickly and pushing his way past any errant crew members. In the storage room, he quickly moves for the Excaliber exo suit, opening it up and sliding in. As he hooks up to take the suit into battle, he nods to Zach with a grin.
"Ready to kick some ass?" He taps on his commlink and opens the channel to the rest of the team. "Mech 2 ready to move here, too. Ready on your mark?"
He glances over to Zach again. "When we hit the ground, what formation do we want? You went over the tactic packs I sent you, right?"
"Ready to kick some ass?"
With a losided grin Tamm responds, "Roger that!"
He glances over to Zach again. "When we hit the ground, what formation do we want? You went over the tactic packs I sent you, right?"
Nodding his head, "Bounding overwatch will work best until we have a better idea on what we're facing."
As the read out displays the battle, for Rio everything seems to slow down. He watches the dance of red and blue.
Autocannons take out those missiles. Heavy Lasers and Missiles, hold fire for my mark. Linc, get on a Heavy Laser. Get ready to target the starboard cruiser. It's going to pass right over us.
Rio waits till the last possible second before reaching the intercepting cruiser, sending the Eclipse into hard juke dorsally and to port, forcing the ship to slip to starboard without yaw, pitch, or roll.
As the Eclipse passes under the cruiser Rio barks, FIRE!