17th Parallel Bar - The Gehenna Incidents

[Tipme]

*loud rap music in the distance getting louder

*as the ship comes closer some can identify the song as Optimus Rhyme-Fuzzy Dice

WHOAMG ITS RICEBOWL AND HE'S RIDING HIS PIMPMOBILE

DUN DYUBDUN

sup G?

[Aileron]

[OOC- Slight inaccuracy there - In space, no one can hear a pimpmobile coming.]

[Manus Celer Dei]

ooc I've almost finished sections one -starships- and two -weapons and shields- of the resource guide, I'm now starting sections three and four -cultures and histories- and -technologies of the day-

 

The next RPG will require participants to sign up in advance and I'll be advertising on and around the forums when I'm nearly ready.

 

It will be set in the same "universe" as this current game, but existing stories will be discontinued. /ooc

 

Three hours later, after recieving the cryptic messgae from the Marathon, Manus' long range !@#$%^&*ets report sighting a large Exis strike force heading towards Terran League space, Manus immediately passes the information along to Kanatis Fleet command, who mobilise the second, third and seventh battlegroups. The Kanatis Alliance immediately seals the border.

[Aileron]

[OOC-Exis fleet headed for TERRAN space? What's the fun in that? I was under the impression they would head towards Kanatis space.]

 

The Marathon headed for a station in deep space which had been abandoned for centuries. It was far too remote to make a profitable scavenging operation, so it sat untouched for centuries. It was here the Marathon unloaded her bionanobots. Slowly, they spread through the station, reactivating and repairing the long inactive systems. The bots eventually found means to harvest the surrounding space junk, and use them to construct their own fighters. It was their plan to build their own fleet here, the Marathon as the flagship, and the station as the port. They sent a ridiculoustly encoded message to the SE, who they had come to alsmot worship at this point. On the message was a general status report, as well as the schematics of the Marathon's weapons.

 

 

Ailius just returned from his latest operation. On his way to the core of the hidden SE station, he saw something he only imagined before. Before him was a sizeable fleet of SE Wyvern class corvettes and Dragon class destroyers. It was the biggest fleet the SE ever had by far, though it was still much smaller than conventional military fleets. Ailius landed his Spider at the dock, only to see the man he wanted to talk to.

 

An Exis ship production General stood at the docks, accomplanied by several bodyguards. He turned to Ailius.

 

"Alright, I constructed and delivered your fleet as promised. Now, do you have the money?"

 

Ailius grabbed a nearby briefcase that had been prepared, and gave it to the General.

 

"Here you go, Sir. If I don't mind, I have a better offer though."

"This better be good - and you better not try anything funny."

"Don't worry General, I have no interest in confronting the Exis fleet. As you know, part of our bargain was to paralze the Kanatis fleet so that they can't interfere with your little attack. In the process of doing so, we managed to get our hands upon the schematices Kanatis' Secret cruiser weapon."

"You lie!"

"See for yourself."

 

Ailius handed the General a schematic. The General had a nueral link with his ship building engineers, so it only took a few minutes to verify the schematics' authenticity. It was obvious that this weapon could be placed on Exis ships without too much difficulty.

 

"You have yourself a deal!"

 

The General gave the briefcase of money back to Ailius and left the base. The SE crewman began work on refitting the ships, adding smaller versions of the new weapon to all of their new destroyers. SE engineers noticed, to no suprise, that the Exis rigged the new SE ships to selfdestruct upon receiving a certain transmission, just in case. The SE removed all such devices.

 

In the meantime, Ailius and a team of commandoes headed back to a warehouse on 17th Parallel station, where he, disguised as Vaxmillion Sanders, waited for Harper's delivery.

[Greased_Lightning]

[OOC - If this doesn't work tell me and I'll scrap it]

 

A ship decloaks off landing pad 23 and docks with the station. The ship's design resembles a spider with some minor alterations including additional thrusters and upgraded torpedo tubes. Equipped with the standard cloaking device and intergalactic portal system it is designed for covert operations. Unfortunately, due to its size it can carry very little cargo and will not survive a stand up fight with another relatively undamaged ship.

 

As the airlock hisses closed, a long human climbs from the -*BAD WORD*-pit to the deck of the landing bay. Cmdr. Jake Rease, agent of the Terran Defense Initiative (TDI), working under the cover of a Terran smuggler has been ordered to investigate a potential threat to the stability of the region. He is not equipped with a neural implant for security reasons (i.e. retrieval of information by individuals without need-to-know).

 

TDI is an ultra-secret military intelligence/operations organization charged with maintaining the status quo of the area lest large scale war develope. TDI agents are authorized to use any and all means necessary to complete their missions, using legal and extralegal channels. Violations of the Terran League Cons!@#$%^&*ution and Intergalactic Rights Treaty by agents are quietly ignored.

 

TDI has received information that unauthorized bionanobot technology may have fallen into the hands of a group with an ultimate goal of destabilizing the precarious balance of power. Cmdr. Rease is ordered to investigate the information and if possible, eliminate the threat and those who pose it.

 

Cmdr. Rease is !@#$%^&*uming the iden!@#$%^&*y of Tern Magnil, smuggler of illegal weapons systems to 'private entrepreneurs' who seek to raid shipping lines of any faction they can find. With a reputation of exacting severe and painful retribution on those who betray him, 'Tern' finds that most of his clients are happy with the prices he quotes.

 

'Tern' has conducted several 'business transactions' in the station pub. He enters the pub and surveys the clientele for any known informants. He spies the bar's owner and his wife, walks to the bar and orders a Terran ale. A Telorian enters and takes seat near the back of the room. 'Tern' walks over and takes a seat next to him.

 

"Vreel. It has been many weeks since I have had the pleasure of your business. I hope that you have not found my services lacking and hired a new !@#$%^&*ociate"

Vreel, who now begins to fidget, takes a drink and looks to his '!@#$%^&*ociate'.

"Tern, you of all peoples should know that I would never even consider dissolving our profitable ... ah... friendship."

"I am please to hear this, as I have just come into possession of several ... interesting wares. For you, an old friend, I would make a good deal on a pair of Storm Turrets."

"(barely audible) 285,000 credits. For both."

"Vreel...you must believe me to be insane. 425,000 credits each."

"I cannot afford this... 375,000 credits each and not a speck more!"

"Very well my old friend, but for this ... discount ... I will require some information on some unsettling stories I have heard lately. Concerning Bionanrobotic."

Vreel raises his eyebrow but says nothing.

 

Vreel and 'Tern' leave to cargo bay 2 to investigate the wares and disclose information.

[The Maurauder]

At dock 3 a rather large ship resembling the weasel, but more elongated and with larger thrusters docks with the satation. The ship sports 4 heavy laser cannons and 2 torpedo tubes. An eerie green glow comes from inside the -*BAD WORD*-pit and the engines are glowing from heat. The pilot of the ship enters the station, heads to the bar, and simply falls asleep in a chair.

[Greased_Lightning]

Tern and Vreel enter Cargo Bay 2 and immediately begin business. Strangely, the cargo bay is completely empty.

 

"I do not understand, I thought you said you had merchandise for me?"

 

Rather than reply directly, Tern produces a remote signalling device from the inside of his tunic and presses a sequence of buttons. The device inserts a small probe into his flesh for genetic verification. In seconds, the scan completes and the room suddenly is filled with crates of various shapes and sizes.

 

"Cloaking fields come in very handy in my business. Oh, and I would not recomment trying to get in here without me. Even with the signalling device, you would be instantly killed."

"Y-y-yes of course."

 

Tern walks to a large crate and inputs a code which opens the top panel. Inside lies 2 Storm Turrets still in their packaging material from the weapons facility on Marity IV.

 

"Feel free to inspect them."

Vreel takes out a scanning probe and verifies the authenticity of the turrets. Then, in approval, pulls out a credit pad and transfers 750,000 credits to Tern's accounts.

"Business is as usual a pleasure with you my friend!"

"Business is not concluded. Or have you forgotten our agreement? Information. Now."

Sweat suddenly appears on Vreel's forehead as he looks into Tern's cold, unforgiving eyes. He continues in a whisper:

"A short time ago, a pilot came into the station bar... a man named Harper...I have had dealings with him before. He usually just sleeps after a drink or two but this time he seemed to be alert... Being naturally curious, I decided to watch him... carefully... He met with a woman who went by the name Sythe. By the time their meeting was over, his ship had been repaired and refueled by an expert crew. He hasn't the credits to afford that so whatever is happening must be... lucrative. His ship left on a course for Ithkul Territory...."

"What else?"

"That is all... except..."

"What?"

"There have been rumors... quiet rumors... that the Kanatis Fury has been destroyed and the KAS Marathon has gone missing... and the remains of an Ithkul merchant were found in an abandoned room... very few remains."

"Hmm... this information is of no value...simple rumors and sexual meetings are not worth my time. If you have nothing more of value, then maybe I should reconsider my price."

"NO! Uhh I may have one last piece of information that may interest you... but... this may put me in danger."

"Fear not my old friend... no one will learn of your involvement... that is... unless you betray me."

"A contact of mine, who 'salvages' equipment, found a laboratory unlocked. Inside he found a medical stasis container set to conditions resembling a body. Around the case were a few deactivated bionanorobots. The laboratory was listed under one Dr. Farson."

"Hmm... this may be worth something. Very well... take your items. And of course I need not remind you that it would be best... for you especially... to keep this to yourself."

"Of course my friend... good day!"

 

Vreel leaves the cargo bay after affixing a small portalling device to the crate and transporting it to his own holds, leaving Tern in the cargo bay.

Tern walks to another crate, opens it and pulls out a long range communication relay.

 

"Agent 1-9-0-Alpha-Echo-7 reporting in. Have received information regarding the objective as well as interesting information involving the destructions of the Kanaris Fury and the status of the KAS Marathon. Additional information involving bionanorobots being used on Ithkul citizens and on a possibly preserved body has been uncovered. Request any information on whereabouts of the KAS Marathon, a Dr. Farson along with any research !@#$%^&*ociated with bionanorobotics and/or preserved remains, Alexander Harper, an individual known as Sythe, and any connections between these. Priority Alpha-1 !@#$%^&*igned. Awaiting further orders. Agent 1-9-0-Alpha-Echo-7 Out."

 

Tern shuts down the comm system, reactivates cloaking field and leaves the cargo bay to return to the bar. Thinking to himself, "Perhaps Mr. Manus would have information on the Marathon. Hmmmmm..." He sits at a table with a view of the bar as he ponders this new situation....

[The Maurauder]

As Tern enters the bar, Maur awakens. Seeing than Tern looks rather preoccupied, Maur walks over and sits down across from him. After several secdonds he simply says, "How's business?"

[Greased_Lightning]

Is interrupted from his reverie by this Maur fellow. Tern doesn't recognize him but immediately commits his face to memory. He thinks to himself..."Could this be an agent of another intelligence service? A thug of Dr. Farson's to find out who I am? One of Vreel's lackeys? Has that -*BAD WORD*- betrayed me!?"

 

Tern uses his left hand under the table to make sure his disruptor pistol is within easy reach should it become necessary.

 

"Business on this station is always good. And You?"

[Manus Celer Dei]

Manus watches the two new entrants to the bar and smiles inwardly to himself, he is always glad that the intelligence operatives of the respective nations are still able to conceal themselves from the largely ignorant public.

 

Jenneke walks over and begins once again dispensing drinks from the counter. So far there have been no further sightings of the Marathon, and Fleet command is getting anxious over its disappearance.

 

The Kanatis amb!@#$%^&*adors to Earth and Landfall (the capital world of Exis) finish outlining their policies regarding the hiring of the Kanatis Military as mercenaries. The respective emb!@#$%^&*ies await the highest bidder.

[The Maurauder]

"Ah, i'm fine. Just stopping by to see if there are any ships for sale around here. I'm in the makret, looking to sell that juggernaut at dock 3 and buy something faster, more stealthy."

 

He glances toward the bar and notices manus staring at him, he then turns back towards Tern.

 

"Let me guess, you think i'm one of Farson's intel cronies? I like to save people weapon rounds so i'll tell you the truth, im just a normal guy. I don't work for anyone. So, know anyone looking to buy a ship that can put a hole in almost any shield out there in 3 seconds flat?"

[Greased_Lightning]

Tern keeps his pistol trained on Maur as he carefully considers whether this person is telling the truth. But if so, how does he know about Farson? Vreel! ... That -*BAD WORD*- betrayed me. No... if he had betrayed me, someone would have tried something already... perhaps this is one of his men who heard something. This could be a good chance to get more information.

 

"I'm afraid I'm not in the market for a new ship at this moment, but I do have some connections with some local dealers that may have some ... custom-made ships that may suit your needs. You are a friend of Dr. Farson's?"

 

As he waits for Maur to respond, he looks to the bar through the reflection of his gl!@#$%^&* and sees Manus watching a little too closely for idle curiosity. Hmm... perhaps Manus would be an !@#$%^&*et in this endeavor. His connections could be very beneficial.

 

His information pad vibrates slightly against his side as the information he requested is finally sent, but it will have to wait until he is alone.

[Greased_Lightning]

[OOC] - From now on im gonna post my characters thoughts in italics unless that isnt okay so tell me

[Aileron]

Back on the deep space Bionanobot station, the infested fleet was prepared. The long range scanners picked up three (relatively) nearby merchant convoys. The hastily constructed weasels (sporting neither stealth nor cloak) chanced down the merchants. The escorting ships fired in retaliation, destroying many weasels, but were overwhelmed by shear numbers. Some of the remaining weasels kamikazed into the escort ships, infesting them, and soon bringing them under their control. The remaining weasels slammed into the merchant ships.

 

Overall, the caravans were unprepared for this particular kind of threat. Out of the three, two were destroyed, and the third suffered 40% casualties. The new ships were sent back to the base, and the cargos of the merchant ships were used to build more weasels. Those surviving recorded recieving a cryptic message before the attack:

 

"Glory to the Gehenna! Annihilation to the humans!"

 

After that, the KAS Marathon, carrying 24 kamikaze weasels instead of 6 javs (you can fit four 1x1 slots in a 2x2). They had recieved encrypted order from the SE to expand their empire. She made a beeline course for 17th parallel station.

 

 

Ailius approaching the pickup point with Harper. Then, he realised that the Wyvern he was traveling was an infamous SE ship. If he pulled up in it, any Ithkul pilot would recognize it as SE and any pilot as hostile. Ailius needed another ship. The Wyvern docked in a secluded location, and Ailius (disguised) walked to 17th Parallel bar.

 

He looked at the ships in the parking lot. He checked out Tern's spider, but decided it was too crappy to steal. He moved on to some poor smoe's Warbird, and left the area in a virtually textbook shipjacking.

[The Maurauder]

"A friend of Farson's? Nope. Im independent. I don't work for anyone, I am a small weapons trader, its suprising how much money you can make by simply buying a crate of pistols at wholesale price and selling them to people in other parts of the galaxy."

 

He looks around the bar and then back to Tern.

 

"Anyways i don't know much about thuis farson guy. Just that some ajents are out to get him. Frankly, I don't care, as long as i can still sell my wares i'm fine. So, what's this about potential buyers for my ship? Ah, and if you're interested i have a few crates of small weapons in my ship, that disruptor pistol looks rather rusty."

[Greased_Lightning]

"I know a man named Vreel. He has his hands in many interests on this station, including spacecraft trade. He may have what you are looking for. He is located at station bay 13-D. Tell him I sent you, he'll give you a good deal...and if you remember anything else about Dr. Farson or where he might be, I would appreciate it if you told me...I have a delivery for him."

 

Tern stands and walks to the bar to pay his tab. He takes the credit pad and signs over how much is owed, then further adds a message to Manus asking for a meeting in a secure location.

[The Maurauder]

Having bought nothing, Maur gets up and walks toward bay 13-D. When he walks in, he sees Vreel examining a turret.

 

"HEY! Are you Vreel?"

 

The man jumps violently then yells.

 

"Yes, what do you need?

 

Vreel quickly puts the turret away.

 

"I heard you were in the ship trade. A man named Tern sent me to you, said you made good deals."

 

"Tern?! Grrrrrr... Anyways, buying or selling?"

 

"Both, i need to sell that heavy fighter at dock 3 for something fast and stealthy, do you have anything of the kind?"

 

"Yes, it even has a super-reflectant hull that reflects 99.7% of the light that hits it.. It is nearly impossible to see in deep space, so a cloaking device isnt nessecary. Its weapons are as follows: One light stun torpedo tube (EMP) and a single rapid fire heavy cannon. There are 2 seats, one for pilot and one for a passsenger."

"What about cargo?"

 

"What about cargo?"

 

"There is a small room in the rear of the ship that can be used to hold cargo, ti is about 4 cubic meters."

 

"Speed?"

 

"it is very fast, powered by a single fusuin drive. This is enough to propel it at high speeds, since the craft is so low in mass"

 

"Sounds good, how much you want for it?"

 

"50,000 credits, with the trade in of that ship at dock 3."

 

"No way! My ship is worth much more than that! 20,000!"

 

"40,000."

 

"25,000!"

 

"30,000 final offer, even if Tern sent you, i still have to make money. 30,000 take it or leave it."

 

"Fine, it's a deal, wheres the ship?"

 

Vreel points towards a strange looking patch of what looks like the wall and tosses the activation chip halfway in between them. Maur then shows Vreel the activation chip to his ship and 3 10,000 credit coins, and puts them all in a small leather pouch. He tosses the bag toards Vreel and walks foreward to grab the chip.

 

"Vreel, i have some cargo in my ship I would like to get before you take it."

 

"No deal, you get that ship, i get your ship and all its contents."

 

Maur picks up the chip and walks toward the odd patch of light.

 

"Fine."

 

Maur presses a green button on the activation chip and a door opens out of the odd patch of light. He steps inside and examines the controls, then heads back to the bar.

[Aileron]

With the new ships captured and constructed, the now-named Gehenna started making more and more raids throughout Kanatis space. They would attack merchants, military, and even have done a few raids against colonies. All the while, nobody has been able to locate their base, or have any extrordinary success identifying or resisting the Gehenna.

 

(ooc-basically, assume a constant string of raids all over the place.)

 

However, in the rare instances they came accrossed an SE ship or installation, they would ignore it. This wasn't generally known, because the SE are a secret organization.

 

News organizations misidentified the Gehenna as some kind of alien race. In cities, those who believed in aliens are doing "I told you so" type stuff, and a few civilians are beginning to flee to Ithkul and Terran space.

 

 

Ailius, disguised as Maxmillian Sanders, had grown tired of wainting at the dropoff point. He headed towards the direct route from the pickup to the dropoff. There, he intercepted Harper. He docked with the Leviathon, and picked up the mysterious cargo and two goons. He set all off the money he owed Harper in the co-pilot's seat, only leaving a quick comment.

 

"Thanks, this is close enough to the dropoff. I'll take the cargo now, here is your money"

 

With that, they undocked and left Harper on his way.

[Greased_Lightning]

Tern enters a secured room and awaits Manus to come for a meeting. While he waits, he opens his information pad and goes over the results of his request.

 

*Signal from Command* Priority Alpha-1

Query 1: Kanaris Fury confirmed destroyed.... KAS Marathon reported missing by military forces...possible sighting in Kanatis Space.

Query 2: Bionanorobotics use on Ithkul unconfirmed. Use in preserved body research found. May be used as replacement for some vital organs. Still in theoretical phase.

Query 3: Dr. Farson leading researcher in bionanorobotic use in life forms. Research labelled unethical...Farson's location unknown.

Query 4: Alexander Harper former military pilot for Ithkul Merchant Navy, involved in unsuccessful attack on Terran space, now listed as cargo pilot.

Query 5: Sythe known alias for Terran mercenary involved in several colony raids, !@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*inations, and intelligence thefts. Current location and activities unknown. Last known location 17th Parallel station bar.

Query 6: Connections between Sythe and Farson are possible on business level. Harper may be simple courier. It is doubtful Harper is knowingly involved in extralegal activities. Connections between Farson, nanorobotics, Sythe, Harper, and activities in Kanatis Space are possible. Recommend further investigation.

 

*******Stand by for orders from Command*******

Commander, you are ordered to gather further information on Farson's activities. Although it is unlikely that he is directly responsible for disruptions in Kanatis territory, he may be in league with third party unknown to us. Attempt to make contact with Alexander Harper. It is believed that he would prove cooperative if told of the possible threat posed. If warranted, travel to Kanatis space to personally investigate disruption there. Report all information immediately.

END MESSAGE

 

Tern deactivates info pad and awaits Manus' arrival.

[The Maurauder]

Maur walks into the bar and sits down, deciding what to do next.

[Aileron]

Ailius had his precious cargo. However, he had reason to worry. The last burst of communication between the SE and the Gehenna, reaveled that the Marathon was close to reaching 17th Parallel station. She had infested a heavily escorted convoy on the way there, so an entire fleet was due to arrive in a few minutes. Ailius had a few minutes to work.

 

The old lab was abandoned too quickly, and the evidence inside needed to be destroyed. Ailius did a quick flyby, and dropped a beacon on the roof. Then, Ailius and the SE in the wyvern headed back to their secret base.

 

 

Moments later, the Marathon arrived, accompanied by several motley smaller vessels. The 17th Parallel station responded by activating its poewrfull shields. Not one type of weapon in the universe could punch through this shield, except the secret weapon that was on the Marathon.

 

First, the Gehenna sent their usual message. Then, the Marathon fired her secret weapon, which punched a small whole in the station's shields. The station responded in kind, firing all their guns, destroying a few of the smaller vessels. However, the fleet responded by firing their guns. Battle ensued.

 

Kamikaze weasels were deployed by the dozens. They decended on the larger guns, as well as the marked warehouse. The station defense guns opened fire, obliterating the sitting duck weasels. However, three weasels managed to crash into their targets, one of them being the warehouse, they quickly infected nearby resources, and began a ground battle as well.

 

Alarms now rang throughout the station. An announcement was made.

 

"The station is under attack by the Gehenna. All armed ships are ordered to counterattack the fleet. All unarmed ships report to the nearest rally point in case of evacuation. We have security breaches on sectors G6, J17, and D5."

 

Civilians began running to the rally points. Many freelance pilots quickly scrambled to their ships, and blasted away to fight the Gehenna, others to flee. Most of those with weapons, whether military or not, went to the sectors to fight there.

[The Maurauder]

Maur looks up rather confused.

 

"What is going on?!"

 

He runs toward his new ship, knowing it will be little help. He chesks the systems and porepares to lift off.

[Greased_Lightning]

The room shakes as the attack begins...Tern consults the comm terminal when the alert Klaxons sound and the PA announces:

 

"ALERT ALERT! The Marathon is attacking! All pilots to ships! Repeat! All Pilots to ships!"

 

This must be Farson's work ... I can't do anything dead...

Tern exits the room and runs towards the landing bay holding his ship which is luckily undamaged. En route, he sees a crewman down the corridor covered in tiny nanobots. Quickly deciding that discretion is the better part of valor, he turns towards the landing bay. He inputs the security codes, enters, immediately engages cloaking device and exits the station.

 

Upon takeoff, he sees the Marathon and many other ships fiercely attacking the station. He prepares to engage rockets to leave the area until a stray shot from a storm turret strikes his ship and disables the cloak. Almost immediately, 3 weasel attackers are on his tail. He turns quickly and engages max. thrusters but the weasels easily keep pace. Using reserve power, he engages the cloak for a moment and comes to a full stop, allowing the weasels to overshoot him. As they streak overhead, he disengages cloak and brings his rapid-fire turrets to bear on the rear of the three weasel fighters.

 

Although the weasels have the advantage in speed and maneuverability, they are no match for experience as two of the weasels are completely destroyed and the other severely damaged but still dangerous. Figuring the weasel is too weak to pose a serious threat, Tern closes in to deliver the death blow. Unfortunately, the weasel pilot isnt a pilot but are in fact the bionanobots. The weasel turns and comes in on a collision course. Without conscious thought, Tern fires cannons and destroys the weasel just 200 meters away.

 

That was close... I wonder how---

 

Suddenly the ship comes to a complete stop... computer control has gone haywire... power levels drop and life-support is failing. As Tern's ship flew through the weasel wreckage, surviving bionanobots attached to the ship and took over. Soon, they began to move into the -*BAD WORD*-pit and onto Tern.

 

"-*BAD WORD*- cursed things!! AHH!" goes over the communications relay to the station. Before the bionanorobots can take over his ship and use it for their own purposes, Tern reaches forward and engages the galactic portal. A bright flash fills the surrounding area as the ship enters the portal. Traveling through the portal causes ultrasonic vibrations all through the ship, which deactivate the bionanobots. Tern's ship exits the portal over 2 million kilometers distant. It takes a moment for Tern to realize what has happened and the signifigance of this discovery.

 

Tern activates his communication relay to share this information with 17th station so that they may defeat this enemy...Unfortunately, the communications system was damaged in the battle against the weasels and is now offline.

 

"-*BAD WORD*-!!" Tern sets course for 17th Station at maximum speed while he attempts to repair the comm system... ETA to 17th: 13 minutes

[The Maurauder]

Maur sees Terns ship as he lifts off the landing pad. He ias suprised by the speed and manuverability of this craft. Maur bings up scanners and sets the fusion engine to maximum speed. The ship rockets over 100 kilometers away from the station in a fraction of a second.

 

"Jesus this thing is fast!"

 

He turns around and throttles down to 20 percent drive. The ship is still faster than all of the enemy weasels by a small amount though. He turns and heads back towards the battle. He fires EMP bombs at teh marothon as fast as the torpedo tube will reload, and bears down on it with his rapid fire cannon. He pulls up just as he is about to ram the Marathon.

 

"I still need to get used to this speed..."

 

The ship is hard to see, but a few stray shots glance off his shields. He decides to concentrate his fire on the weasels, knowing that he needs heavier weapons to damage the Marathon. He wonders where Vreel is, knowing that his former ship could pose a threat to this strong enemy. As he flies tyhrough teh swarm of weasels, he fires his cannon relentlessly, destroying many of the weasels.

 

"Wheres that Tern guy?"

[Greased_Lightning]

At 7 minutes out, Tern's ship regains cloaking ability although many systems are still corrupted from the nanobot infection. At 4 minutes out, weapon systems are to 85% of normal. As he nears 17th Station and reduces speed, communications are still down. It would appear that is one of the first systems targeted by the vermin. Tern curses as he sees that the station is taking a beating and that he may not be in time to assist. He can barely see a squadron of weasel fighters attacking what seems to be nothing until a shot hits it and reveals its shape for an instant.

 

"Vreel's fighter ship... Who could be piloting it? Vreel is too much of a coward to fight."

 

Tern considers his options...he could re-engage the enemy fleet or continue to try and communicate with the station...then remembers that he still has short range contact with Manus over the info pad. He reaches back and grabs it, thankful that it was not affected by the nanobots and transmits an urgent message to Manus.

 

Manus... tactical information: Ultrasonic vibrations extremely effective against enemy systems. Portaling deactivated the infecting nanobots. Current position: 10,000 km from 17th Station preparing to assist. Luck to us all. END