ST:TTV524 | "Old Wolf"

Stardate 97495.9

'A good deed never goes unpunished'. No truer word was ever spoken for the crew of the Valley Forge, as what starts as a good intentioned rescue of abducted refugees quickly escalates into a relentless battle with the largest Lupan force the crew has faced to date...

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Keliaya@anncarise FX | Nearly a week has passed since the Valley Forge managed to mediate peace between the two Nuhar factions, and have now resumed course towards the rim. The ship's latest destination is a - Keliaya@anncarise - binary star system with a habitable planet and warp trails leading inside. Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "ETA to arrival's seven minutes, Cap'n." Keelah@crystyll: "Any further signs of activity in the region?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie shakes her head, "Nothing more than th'warp trails still" Keelah@crystyll: "Very well. Maintain observational scans and continue our approach" Keliaya@anncarise: "There's definitely tech signatures coming from inside the system, but the surrounding region looks clear." Keelah@crystyll turns to Kelly, "Any correlation with known species?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Some of it looks Eltreiah." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "We're rather far from Underworld now. Having not seen the Guild for so long I would not expect to see a presence out here" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's possible they could be mercenary ships on a contract, or an independent colony. Though this is rather far from their homeworld..." Keelah@crystyll: "You said 'some' of the tech looks Eltreiah? I take from that, there is a significant portion which does not?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I can't identify the rest of the signatures. Not from this range, at least." Keelah@crystyll: "Does the unknown signature account for the majority in the system?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Yes, but most of it comes from the planet." Keelah@crystyll: "It does look then like the Guild is perhaps out here on a contract to the indigenous" Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "We're 'bout to find out soon. One of the Eltreiah ship's comin' on an intercept course." Keelah@crystyll: "Hail them" Keliaya@anncarise | A typical Eltreiah face appears on the viewscreen: "We're sorry, but Terminu is closed to outside traffic for the moment." Keelah@crystyll: "This is Terminu - the refugee haven? What seems to be the trouble, perhaps we can be of assistance" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "Your vessel is impressive, but I'm not sure how much help you can be." Keelah@crystyll: "Which by equal measure means you don't know that we can't be of help. We are no strangers to the Guild, nor aiding these refugees. Why don't we meet and discuss the situation to see if there is + Keelah@crystyll: + anything we can do?" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "Very well. Come with us into the system." Keelah@crystyll: "Understood" she nods, "Helm, form up with our friends" Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "Aye aye, Cap'n." Keliaya@anncarise | The call ends as the ship forms up with the Eltreiah vessel and enters the system... Keliaya@anncarise: "There's some smaller, more familiar signatures appearing now. They appear to be Rider craft." Keelah@crystyll: "Quite the gathering indeed" Keliaya@anncarise: "Looks like around twenty Riders and six Eltreiah ships, including the one we're following. I'm picking up debris in orbit as well..." Keelah@crystyll: "Enough to ID?" Keliaya@anncarise taps her console a few more times, "Yes, and it's recent. Composition is identical to the other Eltreiah vessels, and damage pattern seems to be a combination of disruptor and antiproton weaponry." Keelah@crystyll: "Disruptors and Antiproton. Nuhar...?" Keliaya@anncarise: "If it is, it can't be any of the constructs gathered at the Waystation right now. It's way too recent." Keliaya@anncarise: "There's some smaller debris too, but I can't identify them. They're definitely not part of the Eltreiah ship, though." Keelah@crystyll: "Also completely out of character for those present at the Waystation" Keelah@crystyll: "Dig closer on the smaller debris, might be a clue as to what's going on here" Keliaya@anncarise: "Damage pattern on them is antiproton. Matches the Eltreiah ships' weaponry..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Got it! One of the pieces is a 77% match to a fragment of debris in orbit of the planet with the crashed Nuhar construct. It wasn't part of the Nuhar though- it's Lupan." Keelah@crystyll: "Eltreiah, Riders, Lupan, Nuhar... is there anyone who doesn't have a presence here..." Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Incoming hail from one of the other Eltreiah vessels." she puts it through after acknowledgement from Keelah Keliaya@anncarise | A female Eltreiah without spikes appears on the viewscreen: "I'm told you've offered to provide assistance?" Keelah@crystyll: "We are certainly willing to assit if we are able. Are you in a position to brief us on the situation?" Keliaya@anncarise | The Eltreiah nods, "A little over three days ago, two Lupan packships and four escort craft conducted a lightning raid on Terminu. They took out one of our smaller ships, beamed away a number - Keliaya@anncarise: - of inhabitants and flew off." Keelah@crystyll: "Sounds like a familiar raiding pattern. Is this new activity or do they have a history of targeting Terminu?" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "It's never happened before. Seven Guild ships, an entire Rider gang and sophisticated planetary defense systems have deterred Terminu from any serious danger since it grew from being - Keliaya@anncarise: - a refugee camp to a proper colony world. Their relationship with the Lupan have been peaceful trade since then." Keelah@crystyll: "That does make this a little more unusual. Do you have information as to why the Lupan might make this sudden move?" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "Just rumours about the largest Lupan tribe anyone's ever seen around these parts. We have no idea why, but we do know how, or part of it at least." Keelah@crystyll: "Oh?" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "They disabled our defense system from the inside. We caught a Lupan spy, but he won't break. Just insists he's innocent." Keelah@crystyll: "The Lupan are capable of many things, but espionage never jumps out as a strong point for them" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "It's the only thing that explains how malicious code overwhelmed our defense system. Just shut down the shields so the Lupan could beam people right off the colony." Keelah@crystyll: "If you would permit us, we might be able to learn more from analyzing the code. We have considerable expertise on board in such areas" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "Sure. You can have a go at the prisoner too. None of our interrogation methods have been able to break him so far." Keelah@crystyll: "We have our own means, which may or may not be more effective with a Lupan" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "We'll give you the coordinates for where he's imprisoned, and inform our people on the ground that you've been cleared to visit. Coordinate with the local defense system technicians - Keliaya@anncarise: - for examining the virus." Keelah@crystyll: "Understood. Is there anything further we need to know at this point?" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "That's all we know. Some of the locals are annoyed that we didn't pursue the Lupan, but our contract is for defense of Terminu, not retrieval of any lost personnel or assets. And - Keliaya@anncarise: - for all we knew, it could've been a trap to divide up our forces." Keelah@crystyll: "Understood. Fortunately, it is not beyond our remit and nor would it be the first time we have undergone such a mission. However we must establish details first" Keliaya@anncarise | The Eltreiah nods, "Just let us know when you're sending people over." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course. You are welcome to post an attache with our teams to observe and advise if you wish" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "The technicians on the surface should be able to advise you on the defense system. Our people will watch the interrogation." Keelah@crystyll: "Understood. We will keep you appraised" Keliaya@anncarise | Eltreiah: "Thank you for your assistance. You'll be compensated appropriately if you find anything of value." Keliaya@anncarise glances to Keelah, "We still have the warp trails leading away from the system. They're faint, but we might be able to track them down still." Keliaya@anncarise: "Perhaps we can have the QanwI' see what they can find while we investigate here." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. Tee, have Captain Vix pursue the warp trails while we work here" Keelah@crystyll | TQ nods Keliaya@anncarise: "I can head down with Mana to see what happened with the defense systems." Keelah@crystyll: "Take Mia too" she nods Keliaya@anncarise nods, "We should probably check out their prisoner too, but espionage does sound out of character for the Lupan." Keliaya@anncarise | Ann: "Could be a false lead. But if it ain't, all the more reason to check it out." Keelah@crystyll: " I plan to. But will take another team down for that assaginment" Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll inform Mana and Mia and prepare to head down, then." Keelah@crystyll: "We'll convene in the transporter room in 15 minutes" --- Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 FX | The team beams down to a small building amidst a sprawl of other buildings. There are a combination of permanent structures and more makeshift looking additions, and the layout of the - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 - area gives a very unplanned feeling. The planet looks rather barren, with little more than dust and rocks beneath their feet. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Around them, they can see a diversity they had not witnessed since leaving Underworld; there are even more varieties of people than the New World. Some are familiar- members of the Riders' - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 - species or the aliens who had set the trap that brought the VF into the subspace pocket, but the majority are completely new. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The building they beamed down beside is guarded by a pair of Eltreiah in Guild armour. Keelah@crystyll looks around some before approaching the guarded door Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The guards nod to Keelah, "You're cleared to enter the jail. Peratus is waiting for you inside." Keelah@crystyll acknowledges with a curt nod and proceeds inside Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 follows inside. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | An Eltreiah female stands at a reception desk. She taps a button as she sees them enter, "Hello. Lieutenant Peratus will be with you shortly." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | A few seconds later, another Eltreiah wearing Guild armour steps out from a nearby door, "You must be here to see the Lupan prisoner." Keelah@crystyll: "Correct. I see the Guild's efficiency does not wane, even so far from home. A welcome sight" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Peratus: "The Guild has standards to uphold. Follow me." Keelah@crystyll smiles, dipping her head in appreciation of the statement as she follows Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Guild Lieutenant talks as he walks, "Now, this Lupan, he's not new around here. He's been on Terminu for a few years. He's been around since I got here, actually." Keelah@crystyll: "Is there evidence beyond his race to link him to the recent attack?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Peratus: "He was spotted walking along the road that leads to one of the shield generators, but he's a hermit. Wanders around sometimes, usually keeps to himself, rarely comes into town." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Peratus: "There's no solid evidence, but we're keeping him here as much for his safety as everyone else's. Half the colony thinks he's involved and wants a piece of him." Keelah@crystyll: "A prudent measure" she nods, "What can you tell me about him? A hermit's lifestyle is not exactly consistent with Lupan mentality" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Peratus: "That's exactly it. No one knows a thing about him. Why he's here, what he usually does, even when exactly he got here." Keelah@crystyll: "Interesting" she notes as they continue Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Peratus: "After the attack, the locals surrounded his hut, was threatening to burn it down. We had to disperse the crowd and take him in, and when we did he offered no resistance." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Lieutenant taps a panel outside what seems to be a small interrogation room, and the door slides open, "Here he is." Keelah@crystyll: "Very well, thank you Lieutenant" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Peratus nods, "I'll be out here if you need anything." Keelah@crystyll nods and steps inside Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The room is empty save for a table at the centre and three seats around it. A large grey Lupan sits in the kneeling pose, ignoring the chairs. His hands are chained to the wall behind him, - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 - though it offers him enough room to move around his side of the table, but not reach over it. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | There are many scars across the Lupan's grey fur, much like Salahan Basatul. Clearly, this Lupan had seen more than his fair share of combat. Keelah@crystyll 's first instinct is to assess his comfort within the restraints, a flash a moment as she first enters the room to decide if he is overly restrained or not Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Lupan appears calm and meditative, showing no sign of discomfort. Keelah@crystyll: "Hello" she offers in a firm but gently tone Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Lupan looks up at Keelah, "You are not with the Guild." Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "No, we are not. Mind if we make ourselves comfortable here?" she gestures to the empty seats, showing the courtesy of a guest in ones home rather than an interrogator Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Lupan offers a single gruff grunt as a response. Keelah@crystyll takes this as positive enough and takes a seat, "We are new to the area here, but have considerable experience in resolving situations such as the one you find yourself in. I hope we can help + Keelah@crystyll: + one another" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "And how can you help me?" Keelah@crystyll: "Well I won't presume to know your wants or desires, but I would guess that being out of this holding area and back to your free life might be up there" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "What /I/ want is to be tossed to the colonists. But the Guild enforces some level of justice here, and they are not entirely wrong. My blood will only awaken a thirst for more." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "We were told the colonists have all but decided your guilt, and wanted to harm you." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "Yes." Keelah@crystyll: "You wish your life ended. Would that because you expected to die in a final bloody battle, or because you know something that death feels like the only escape from?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "I should have died long ago. Once it was both. Now, it is only the latter." Keelah@crystyll leans back, crossing one leg over. She casually straightens her skirt before continuing, "Care to enlighten us as to the reason for that?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "I doubt you have come to hear of my life. It is not relevant to my people's attack on this colony." Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps not, but I still like to know people I deal with. But if you know your story does not relate to your peoples attack, then I take that to mean you know what the attack was about" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "I do not. I know only that the attack was not related to my presence." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Because the Lupan didn't beam you up, and your lifesigns would've been easy to isolate?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "Because the Sisterhood does not want me dead." Keelah@crystyll: "So why don't you start by telling me what you do know about the attack, as you seem to lack any doubt about who is behind it" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "Only the knowledge of the Sisterhood could have provided the means to cripple the planetary defenses." Keelah@crystyll: "Is that so? You again seem very sure of your statement" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "I was a Holy Warrior once. I know what the Sisters are capable of." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. You do have the presence of such a Warrior. Which only begs the question of how one goes from being a Holy Warrior to a hermit on a refugee planet" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "I was exiled." Keelah@crystyll: "I can see exile leading to removal from the Sisterhood's ranks. But why isolation? Why not another pack?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "The Sisters ensured I was an outcast. I served as a mercenary for a time, until finally my eyes were opened." Keelah@crystyll perks a curious brow, "Opened... to what?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "To the error of my ways. Our ways." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Lupan leans forward, "You are not like the others. You truly wish to know what I am?" Keelah@crystyll waves an inviting hand, "By all means" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Lupan nods, "Do you know what the Sisters are?" Keelah@crystyll: "We have had dealings with them" she nods, "Though I suspect our understanding is limited as outsiders" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "Few outsiders have dealings with them. You are already more acquainted with them than most. So, what do you know?" Keelah@crystyll: "That they loosely drive the efforts of coordinated packs in the search for knowledge about their creators. We know they have elite zealot packs who conduct special or high priority assignments, and + Keelah@crystyll: + they are centralized at the Holy City" Keelah@crystyll: "We have... theories, about how much they truly know compared to how much they share with those serving them" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | The Lupan nods, "Impressive." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "You are aware, that in Lupan society, the role of the male is as hunter, and the role of the female is as guardians and guides." Keelah@crystyll: "Not by direct information, but we have observed enough to classify it as what we would call a matriarchal society" she nods Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "Not quite. The Alpha of a pack is always male, but many of his decisions are influenced by the wise women, the Elders who can no longer bear and raise young. But there are some among - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - the females who can never bear young, whether as a defect by birth or as a result of environmental conditions." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "These females are given to the Sisterhood to become Sisters- guides to all Lupan." Keelah@crystyll: "And what is your understanding of their crusade, and it's relation to the origin of your people?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "The Sisterhood says that we are superior. That we have a right to this galaxy. I was never interested in domination. Only blood." Keelah@crystyll: "An instinct native your genes, no doubt" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Lupan: "Once I was Rasador Azatul, Sword of Sister Orena, one of the Elder Sisters of the time." Keelah@crystyll: "A honoured position. And one that no doubt gave you a unique insight into the inner workings of the Sisterhood" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "I saw how they encouraged our primal instincts to destruction. How they turned me into a weapon. And for a time, I knew nothing else." Keelah@crystyll: "But something changed" she surmised Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "I felt more than simple passion for a Sister called Nihan." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Is that what led to your exile?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul nods, "The Sisters are permitted to indulge their desires, but not to form true ties. They were chosen because they cannot have families. They are expected to be impartial, guides to all - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - Lupan yet favouring none save those whose devotion calls for favour." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "When the Sisterhood found out about us, they came to take Nihan away. I fought back. Nihan tried to stop me, but in my rage I killed them. Even the one I had cared for." Keelah@crystyll: "I see. So your exile was enforced, but your isolation was self imposed. Penance for your blood lust driven actions" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "I expected the Sisterhood to kill me. But they did not. They saw that I had truly cared for Nihan, and forced me to live with her death at my hands. They altered my implants so that I - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - could not even end my own life. Then they exiled me." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "At first I sought death through other means. As I said, I became a mercenary, though few of my opponents were worthy enough to kill me. I had not truly realized what I was then." Keelah@crystyll: "Which brings us back to your desire to end things. Is that why you strayed into the town on the day of the attack?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "Yes. There was battle, and I thought that perhaps it would be the end I have long sought." Keelah@crystyll: "So you only approached the town after signs of the attack became apparent?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul grunts again. Keelah@crystyll: "What do you know then, about the Sisterhood in this area. Where might they have taken those they abducted?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "I have not spoken to a Sister since my exile. All I know is that the site of the Sacred Congregation lies not far from this area. The Congregation has always been a Lupan matter, - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - though at times it leads to an increase of raids in the surrounding regions. Even then, none have raided Terminu since the defenses have been in place." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "And why the Sisterhood would provide the means to do so is beyond me." Keelah@crystyll: "This Sacred Congregation, could you show us where it is?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "No." Keelah@crystyll: "Is that because you are unable or unwilling?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "In my youth there were few among the Lupan who could match the speed of my claws, the skill of my blade or the precision of my rifle. But I have never flown a fighter or ship before, - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - nor do I study the stars like the Sisters and wise women. I know only that it is close, perhaps ten or twenty days away by the speed of our Packships." Keelah@crystyll: "What about if you spent some time with my specialists? Tell them what you do know about the place - climate, environment, stellar bodies, familiar constellations; all insignificant details they can + Keelah@crystyll: + piece together to narrow down it's location" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "The Congregation is held in the midst of deep space. It is not meant to be easy to find." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "But you know what this Congregation is for, at least?" Keelah@crystyll: "That does not make it impossible. I am not asking you to give the answers, just be willing to try" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "Every thirty or so years, the Holy City comes to the spot of the Congregation and seek a means to awaken the Last God." Keelah@crystyll: "Aah, the goal of the zealots. We know of this mythology, or at least how it is presented to those doing the work" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "As far as I am aware, the only means to release the Last God is though the words of another god. We have always searched the galaxy for others, in hopes that he is not truly the Last." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "We have not been successful, and every Congregation has gone like the one before it." Keelah@crystyll: "What do you know about this 'Last God'?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "Little. As I said, I was a warrior, not a Sister." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course. So what about it, perhaps there is a better way to earn your penance than throwing your life away. Like helping us recover innocents taken by the Sisterhood as part of their campaign" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "I will not fight." Keelah@crystyll: "I never said anything about fighting. Just come with us and tell us what you know" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "I do not know if I will be of any help to you. Do you seek to confront the Sisterhood?" Keelah@crystyll: "I only seek to secure those who were taken. I have no desire to enter conflict if it can be avoided" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul: "If they were truly taken to the Holy City, I do not know if I can go back there. I will give you what information I can. But having me along will not help you avoid conflict with my - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - people." Keelah@crystyll: "No it won't" she smiles a little, "But it will do more to repay your assistance than simply leaving you to rot" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul nods, "Very well." Keelah@crystyll stands, "We have other lines of investigation to conduct before we depart. But I will speak with the Guild and advise them of the situation" Keelah@crystyll: "Do you wish to retrieve anything from your home before leaving?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul shakes his head, "There is nothing of value." Keelah@crystyll: "Very well, I will attempt to expedite your transfer from here then" she offers in parting before turning to leave Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Azatul looks back down, returning to his meditative appearance. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 follows Keelah out. Keelah@crystyll looks to the others once they're outside, "Thoughts?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Well, I can't sense anything from Lupan, but I don't get the impression that he was lying." Keelah@crystyll likewise, his body language was consistent with sincerity Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 | Vrolmacht nods, "His story is too elaborate to be fabricated, and it lines up with what we know of him having been on the planet for some time. Still, he is not what I expected." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. These Lupan are full of surprises" she smiles, "Ok, let us tie up loose end here with the Lieutenant before checking in with Kelly's team" --- Keliaya@anncarise | After investigating their individual leads, the crew returns to the conference room... Keliaya@anncarise steps inside with Mia, Mana and Sayu. Keelah@crystyll looks up with a smile, "Welcome back ladies. And Sayu" she adds with a courteous note Keliaya@anncarise | Sayu chirps happily at the acknowledgement. Keliaya@anncarise takes a seat around the table, "Thank you, Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "So, how did you get on with the defense systems?" Keliaya@anncarise: "We've found out that it wasn't done from the inside, like the Guild suspects." Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "Just an attack by a very sophisticated malware adapted from Nuhar viral code." Keelah@crystyll: "Adapted from. Do we know exactly how, and by whom?" Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "Mana can only tell that the virus was reprogrammed, but not in the way a Nuhar construct would have." Keliaya@anncarise: "We suspect the Lupan changed around the Nuhar virus so it wouldn't be identifiable as a Nuhar virus, but still inflict the same damage." Keelah@crystyll: "If the Lupan were responsible, why change the traceability of the code to lead away from the Nuhar? Why not just let them think the Nuhar were responsible?" Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "Because Terminu already has defenses against the Nuhar virus, like the Valley Forge. The alterations allowed the virus to bypass the firewalls." Keelah@crystyll nods, "That makes sense. Anything more to report?" Keliaya@anncarise: "We traced the virus through the defense network to the transporter systems, which are linked to coordinate the opening and closing of shield windows for transportation. The virus snuck in through a - Keliaya@anncarise: - fake communication requesting transport and spread to the rest of the systems." Keliaya@anncarise | Mana nods, "The communication came from outside the shields, so the Lupan the Guild have captured is most likely not involved." Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "Fortunately, any further attacks should be easy to prevent now that the virus is identified. The defenses necessary only need a small adjustment from the Nuhar virus." Keelah@crystyll: "We have reached the same conclusion having spoken with him. Did your investigation turn up any more leads as to the origin of the virus? I suppose tracing it to a time and place we can match a warp + Keelah@crystyll: + trail to might be a bit of a stretch" she chuckles a little Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "Just that it was based on Nuhar code but modified. I'm assuming the Lupan didn't know anything either, since he was probably not involved?" Keelah@crystyll: "Not so much about the attack. But more than us about the Sisterhood's presence in this region of space. Enough that it was worth having him released to our custody" Keliaya@anncarise: "Will he be kept in the brig, or guest quarters?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "He is our guest and will be working with us to help try to isolate the location we think the refugees were taken to" Keelah@crystyll: "That said, he will have an assigned escort to work as liason" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I haven't heard of any problems on the QanwI' from the Lupan there. Hopefully this one will be as well-behaved." Keelah@crystyll: "He has given no reason for us to suspect he won't be" Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "This Lupan may not be a spy, but Mana still finds a Lupan living alone on a refugee colony odd. Even the New World has not managed to attract any Lupan residents." Keelah@crystyll: "Azatul was formerly a Warrior of the highest order within the Sisterhood. He was exiled after forming an inappropriate relationship with one of the Sisters. In poetic terms it is a classic romantic + Keelah@crystyll: + tragedy, right down to where she died by his own hand as a result of his genetic blood lust when things got out of hand" Keliaya@anncarise: "That's...quite the experience to go through. I can see why that would bring him to a place like this." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. But even if he is sincere, there is no telling what exposure to large numbers of people in close quarters will do for him. Hence the escort" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "It's a good precaution to take." Keelah@crystyll: "If there are no objections, I had view to assign Rianni. She has a history of building rapport with the Lupan, and much as she can be a capable student beside him, she is also capable of keeping him+ Keelah@crystyll: + in check I believe" Keliaya@anncarise: "She's a good choice. She had good rapport with the Lupan back when we encountered them during that hunting expedition." Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, and her tactical focus coupled with her combat training should make it a valuable experience for her. Almost as much as the time she spends training with the Klingon assassin on the QanwI' that+ Keelah@crystyll: + she thinks we don't know about" she chuckles Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "And speaking of the QanwI'..." Keelah@crystyll turns a questioning look to Kelly Keliaya@anncarise | Just then, the comm sounds, <C - Eva> "Captain. We have a message from the QanwI'." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "Well isn't that fortuitous timing. Relay to the briefing room please, Eva" Keliaya@anncarise | <C - Eva> "On it." Keliaya@anncarise looks at Keelah, "It's a long story..." --- NPK@annpc#5570 FX | As the Valley Forge investigates the situation on Terminu, QanwI' has travelled for several hours following the warp trails leading away from the system... NPK@annpc#5570 | Merc: "Captain. This is where the trails end." NPK@annpc#5570 FX | The viewscreen shows nothing but empty space and stars in the background. Lexi@crystyll: "All stop" NPK@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "Aye, Captain." Lexi@crystyll: "Analysis of the trail decay" NPK@annpc#5570 | Merc: "It's just stopped. Decay is the same as the rest of the trail, and then it cuts off. No sign of debris or anything, though." NPK@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "They must've decided to cover up their trail." Lexi@crystyll: "Well that' not at all suspicious. Any other trails in the region, perhaps it docked with a parent craft" NPK@annpc#5570 | Merc: "No, nothing. I'm amplifying scans to see if there's any sign of ships trying to mask their signatures." NPK@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "Why would they mask it here? Ambush?" NPK@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "Maybe they're just going somewhere they don't want to be followed. The attack was a few days ago. If the Guild didn't follow them right away, they probably wouldn't be coming." Lexi@crystyll: "If we were in hot pursuit maybe. But something doesn't stack up; why here, why now?" NPK@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "I don't know..." NPK@annpc#5570 | Merc: "Captain! I have something." Lexi@crystyll looks over, "Make it good" NPK@annpc#5570 | Merc: "We have multiple Lupan signatures that just appeared on long range sensors. Seven large ones and at least as many smaller signatures. Coming right for us." NPK@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "We're cloaked. They can't see us." NPK@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "They're not coming for us. They're going to where we came from." Lexi@crystyll: "A second attack on Terminu" NPK@annpc#5570 | K'Sarn: "And with a bigger fleet. This is not going to be a lightning raid like last time." Lexi@crystyll: "Bring us about. This is one fight we are /not/ going to miss!" Lexi@crystyll: "And put a priority message back to the Valley Forge warning them" NPK@annpc#5570 | Pilot: "Bringing us about, Captain!" NPK@annpc#5570 | Comm Officer: "Aye, relaying message!" --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | Lexi's message is relayed into the briefing room... Keelah@crystyll leans back in her chair to listen. Curious what could have prompted such an early update and on a priority channel at that Keliaya@anncarise | <C - QanwI'> "Seven Lupan Packships and multiple escorts are on the way to Terminu for a suspected second attack. ETA in 15 hours at current speeds." Keelah@crystyll leans forward again upon hearing the message, "/7/ packships? That's no simple raid" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "No. That is an invasion." Keelah@crystyll: "Can the colony defenses stand up against a force like that?" Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "The virus has been cleaned and the defenses are back online, but Mana does not believe the defenses can hold off such a force for long." Keelah@crystyll: "Options?" Keliaya@anncarise: "We need to contact the Guild Commander here. She might be able to call for reinforcements or begin an evacuation of the planet." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "There are almost two million inhabitants scattered across various settlements on Terminu. With the six Guild ships and the Valley Forge, we can barely evacuate a fraction of that." Keelah@crystyll nods and taps the intercom, "Eva, get an urgent message to the Guild Commander here. Relay the QanwI's message and advise we are standing by to support" Keliaya@anncarise | <C - Eva> "Yes Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "we still need viable options" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "The Guild isn't going to get reinforcements here on time." Keliaya@anncarise | A few seconds after Kelly's statement: <C - Eva> "The Guild Commander says reinforcements will take at least a day to arrive through Carran subspace corridors." Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "There is a group that can arrive on time to assist." Keelah@crystyll: "A Guild fleet?" Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "No. The Nuhar. An average Watcher construct can cover the distance between Terminu and the Waystation within fifteen hours at top velocity." Keelah@crystyll nods, "I had the same thought, but remain doubtful if they would assist. They do - after all - enjoy a mostly amicable relationship with the Lupan" Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "Only at the Waystation, or between specific constructs. There are other Lupan who have killed constructs for parts, or for sport." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "We have to try. By the time Guild reinforcements get to Terminu, it may be too late." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed, it is worth enquiring at least. Mia, have Relay reach out to them and establish contact first off" Keelah@crystyll | Mia nods, "We have already communicated the requirement and Relay is attempting to establish contact.” Keelah@crystyll | Mia continues a moment later, "Relay has contacted the Constructs, and they are now deliberating" Keelah@crystyll groans, "The downside of such long-lived creatures. Never in a rush..." Keliaya@anncarise | Mana nods, "Indeed..." Keelah@crystyll: "We can't assume to rely on their assistance. What about the surrounding region, any noteworthy regions in range?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Nothing that would offer more tactical advantage than the planetary defense systems. They are not as powerful as the Waystations, but it is still the most optimal location to mount - Keliaya@anncarise: - a defense." Keelah@crystyll: "Vrolmacht, pull your whole team and draw up a defense strategy for all currently available assets" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht nods, "Aye Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "If there's nothing more to weigh in at this point, we need to get to work" Keliaya@anncarise nods and stands. Keliaya@anncarise | Mana stands as well, "Mana can remain on the planet, in case the Lupan try anything with viral attacks again." Keelah@crystyll: "You and Mia do what you can to shore up their defenses in that area. Conventional tactics won't suffice here if it does come to a stand off, so let's have some of that out-of-the-box thinking you + Keelah@crystyll: + two do best" she smiles, standing as well Keliaya@anncarise | Mana: "Mana will do everything Mana can to ensure the defenses hold." --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Valley Forge crew return to their stations, working as the viewscreen displays an image of Guild and Rider ships forming up in orbit. Keliaya@anncarise | An hour after receiving the news, the lift door opens and Relay hovers out. Keelah@crystyll looks over Keliaya@anncarise | The drone simply states: "Nuhar Watchers are on route to Terminu. Estimated arrival time: Fourteen hours, twenty minutes, forty-seven seconds shipboard time." Keelah@crystyll: "Welcome new, Relay. Do we have an exact count?" Keliaya@anncarise | Relay: "Sixteen Nuhar Watchers as vanguard force. Gallant Defender will arrive with two Responder constructs for support at a later time." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Please relay our sincerest gratitude to them" turning the other way, "Rianni, add them to your board" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni nods, updating a large 3d holomap that surrounds the tactical station, projected by Miadrone Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "We'll still have to hold back the Lupan attack for the better part of an hour before the Nuhar get here." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Current ETA of the Lupan forces is roughly thirteen and a half hours." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. But an hour is a more achievable goal than indefinitely" Keelah@crystyll looks to Vrolmacht, "Run us through current projections and deployment" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The tactical display: https://i.imgur.com/I6aGv26.png Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "We've lined up the three cruisers to provide supporting fire to the orbital defense platforms. The Guild Commander has organized the Rider gang into smaller squadrons, each led by - Keliaya@anncarise: - one of the Guild escorts. These squadrons will deal with any tricks the Lupan escorts try while the defense cannons and cruisers exchange fire with the Packships." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "We're planning to deploy the Eon and our runabouts to form a similar squadron with the QanwI'." Keelah@crystyll: "So far so good. How does this weigh in against the Lupan forces that are inbound?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "They still outclass us in terms of overall firepower. These Packships are not like the heavily modified one commanded by Salahan Basatul. They are primarily carriers, and between - Keliaya@anncarise: - the three cruisers and orbital defenses, we should be able to keep them busy. The planetary shields will be able to hold back some of their barrages." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The escorts are of more concern, hence the interception squadrons. They are the primary offensive element of the Lupan." Keelah@crystyll: "So what is our strategy?" she turns an expectant gaze to the tactical pair Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The squadrons will try to keep the escorts busy, and we will hopefully be capable of holding out until the Nuhar arrive." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "I have...another suggestion as well." Keelah@crystyll: "Preferably one with a few less 'tries' and 'hopefullys'" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Victory is far from assured in this battle. But...our odds may be better if we have the exiled Lupan on the bridge to advise us. We have only faced a full Lupan tribe once, and even - Keliaya@anncarise: - then the majority of the battle was with their leader's ship. He will be more familiar with their fleet tactics." Keelah@crystyll: "If he is willing to do so, then by all means" she looks to Rianni, "Cadet... you're being unusually quiet in this. Out with it, this is your forte after all, is it not?" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni stands straight, manipulating the display in demonstration, "We are still running simulations and projections on different elements. The computer has limited information on the packships + Keelah@crystyll: + and Guild ships, so probabilities are inaccurate" Keelah@crystyll looks on patiently and expectantly Keelah@crystyll | Rianni: "Unconventional tactics are key to this engagement. The plan is to put them off balance long enough to prevent their full force coming to bear on the planet until the Constructs arrive" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni: "First, we take the Forge and QanwI' off the map. The QanwI' can cloak on the approached side of the system ready to fall in behind enemy lines, while the Forge holds perfect position on + Keelah@crystyll: + long range with a precalculated warp burst to land it directly in the heat of battle when the time comes" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni. "The Guild and Rider squadrons will take up a standard defensive posture to lure the packships into range of planetary defenses, with us the QanwI' dropping in on their flank" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni: "The QanwI' will provide cover for the Forge, while we project holoship decoys of the Nuhar constructs entering the system with us. It should scatter the Lupan before they realize the ploy+ Keelah@crystyll: + but will also make them think it just a ploy when the real fleet arrives, making them ignore it until it's too late" Keliaya@anncarise: "Good thinking, Cadet." Keelah@crystyll smiles a little, "A bold and cunning strategy, Cadet. Can you pull it off?" She directs to Vrolmacht Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht nods, "We can do it, Captain." Keelah@crystyll | Rianni continues, "We also have Mana, Mia and Relay standing by to use their own viral attacks against them. Having already dissected the code, if the same is used again they should be able to + Keelah@crystyll: + quickly turn it around and feed it back into the Lupan's own systems" Keelah@crystyll: "Every little helps. Anything more?" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni shakes her head, "A number of smaller and more circumstantial manouvers have been prepared, but that is the overall strategy" Keelah@crystyll: "Then let's get to it" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Aye Captain." --- Keliaya@anncarise FX | Thirteen hours pass as the crew prepares and waits anxiously for battle... Keliaya@anncarise | The senior staff are once again on bridge stations, some having never left while a few return after some brief breaks. Keliaya@anncarise | The turbolift doors open, and Azatul steps onto the bridge, escorted by Rianni. Keelah@crystyll looks over, "Good of you to join us" Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "An impressive vessel you have." Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying it" Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "I hope it is as powerful as some of your pack claim it to be. You will need to be in order to stand against so many packships." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "ETA for the Lupan fleet is five minutes." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "All vessels are in position." Keelah@crystyll: "Then it is the waiting game. The calm before the storm" Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "We're being patched into the fleet comms" Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Valley Forge. Is everything ready on your end?" Keelah@crystyll: "We are prepared. How are your people Commander?" Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Both our ships and the Riders are ready. Planetary defenses are online, and your people are remaining at the control centre to ensure they stay that way." Keelah@crystyll: "Excellent. Remember, keep a cool head and a tight formation. We're not playing to win, just to delay them until the Nuhar arrive" Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Understood. We'll buy the colony as much time as we can. And whatever happens, thank you for coming to our assistance. We have a job to do, but you didn't have to be here." Keelah@crystyll | Lexi chimes in over the comms, "Speak for yourself, Captain! I plan to rack up a scorecard so big the QanwI'll need bigger wings, HA! Qapla!" Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Qapla' Captain. And we may not have a job Commander, but we do have a moral obligation" Keliaya@anncarise | Rider Boss: "Whatever your reasons, Terminu's glad to have you all along." Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Here they come." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "The Lupan have dropped out of warp, just outside weapons range." Keliaya@anncarise | Rider Boss: "What're they doing?" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "They are forming up, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://i.imgur.com/OxosrlM.png Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "I've never seen Lupan so organized..." Keelah@crystyll | Rianni: "That looks like a textbook formation Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "A ship wall with a defensive shell. They are expecting a flanking attack by placing three packships and four escorts to guard the rear." Keelah@crystyll | Rianni: "We have our pinpoint warp in coordinates. If we time it effectively, we can jump right into the middle of that formation" Keelah@crystyll: "That's assuming they move through our exact spot, Cadet" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni nods Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "They will primarily attack from the front. The four forward vessels will provide broadside barrages as covering fire while the escorts emerge from over and under to strike with their - Keliaya@anncarise: - more precise attacks, supported by fighters. This formation is not very maneuverable. They should pass through your spot." Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "Until then, the interception squadrons must harass the escorts and prevent them from landing hits on the cruisers and defense systems at all costs." Keelah@crystyll: "Then stand by for our warp jump. Red alert - deploy the armour" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Deploying armour, Captain." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The bridge lighting shifts to red alert. Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "The Lupan ships are moving into range and have begun the first barrage." Keelah@crystyll: "Execute the jump as soon as we hit the target moment, and standby on the holoship projections" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "They'll be there in one minute." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The escorts are emerging from behind the packships." Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "Have the intercept squadrons push them back. If any are caught inside when this ship jumps in, they will be able to be eliminated." Keelah@crystyll: "QanwI' should be stalking close behind them now, plot their coordinates to centre the holoships around them" Keelah@crystyll nods to TQ to follow Azatul's instruction and relay to the fleet Keliaya@anncarise | On the tactical map, the intercept squadrons close in, clashing with the Lupan escorts as they remerge from behind the wall of packships. Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "The Lupan ships are moving into range in 10..." Keelah@crystyll taps her intercom as he counts down, "All hands, brace. This is going to get bumpy" Keliaya@anncarise | The bridge crew braces against their consoles and seats... Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "3...2...1...jumping!" Keliaya@anncarise | The bridge shakes roughly as the ship lurches into warp and appears right in the midst of the Lupan formation. There is another shake as one of the Lupan escorts hits and bounces off the - Keliaya@anncarise: - armoured saucer, while the rest are just darting into the centre of the formation after the interception squadrons forced them back. They stop as they see the sudden VF appearing. Keelah@crystyll waits that one eternal moment as she studies the chaos on screen before clenching her fist, "Suppressing fire - all phaser banks! Evasive manouvers - keep them on their toes" Keliaya@anncarise | The VF veers into evasive maneuvers as phaser banks fire from all sides, catching the unsuspecting escorts and hitting the packships as well, though it does little damage to the latter. Two of - Keliaya@anncarise: - the escorts however are crippled by the fire as the rest begin to evade as well. Keliaya@anncarise | On the viewscreen, the three ships at the rear of the formation begin to reposition as they are unable to fire on the centre of their formation without risking friendly fire. The four packships - Keliaya@anncarise: - that form the forward line maintain their positions, continuing to exchange fire with the orbital defenses and the Guild ships. Keelah@crystyll braces as the bridge shakes almost continuously, "Kick the portside saucer drive and bring us about tight. Keep us in the middle as long as you can before they can overwhelm us" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain!" Keliaya@anncarise | The Valley Forge manages to take out another escort before the packships reposition into an L shape around the VF, allowing them to fire without hitting one another. The escorts regroup and - Keliaya@anncarise - turn inside for an attack run at the VF instead of forward towards the planet. Keliaya@anncarise | The bridge shakes as the crossfire hits the VF. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Armour integrity is dropping. We have to get out of here." Keelah@crystyll frowns at the increased pounding of the armour, "Alright Mr. Fisher, we're rabbiting. Punch it for the QanwI's standby position" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher nods, and the VF retreats to the QanwI's position amid the stream of fire from the Lupan vessels. Keelah@crystyll: "Time to call in the reinforcements" she nods over to Rianni, "Summon your fleet" Keelah@crystyll: "Tee, signal the QanwI'. Time to let Vix off her leash" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni bides her time before opening the armour around the main deflector with it facing away from the barrage, and projects the signals of inbound ships to the distant range via deployed buoys Keelah@crystyll | Once the ghost signals come into range, she triggers the holoship fleet Keliaya@anncarise FX | As the holo-Nuhar appear, the three Packships and four escorts originally in the rear of the formation quickly begins adjusting to meet the oncoming fleet. Keliaya@anncarise | They are quickly joined by another escort, leaving only four escorts and four packships maintaining the offensive line. Keliaya@anncarise | The second Lupan group adopts a defensive stance, opening fire on the holo-Nuhar. Keelah@crystyll | QanwI' closes into point blank range in the midst of the holoships before decloaking and throwing everything at the first packship Keliaya@anncarise | The packship by the QanwI' veers off and the rest of the second group continues to fire on the holo-ships for a moment, thinking it was hit by them. When they finally realize they're not - Keliaya@anncarise: - actually hitting anything, three of the five escorts break off to try and chase the QanwI' away from the packship it is attacking. Keliaya@anncarise | One of the packships turn to engage the VF while the other heads to the offensive line with the two other escorts in front of it. Keelah@crystyll | QanwI' ducks and weaves putting it's insanely overpowered combat engines to full use while VF comes about and rejoins the battle using the holoships for cover from direct sensor locks Keliaya@anncarise | The packship, unable to lock onto the VF, fires its broadside wildly, with only a few stray shots hitting. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Their shields are dropping rapidly, and their return fire is ineffective!" Keelah@crystyll: "Keep up the pressure" Keliaya@anncarise: "The packship QanwI' engaged is slowly spinning around to assist. I suggest finishing off the one we are fighting with torpedoes so we don't deal with two of them at once." Keelah@crystyll: "Do it" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht nods. A volley of three torpedoes flies towards the packship, one of them being picked off by its weapons but the other two impact the carrier at once, almost vapourizing it - Keliaya@anncarise: - completely in two flashes of light, leaving only scattered debris remaining. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The second packship is deploying fighters and closing in." Keliaya@anncarise | Meanwhile, QanwI' continues to dance with the three escorts chasing it. Keelah@crystyll: "Time to put our own birds in the air. Tell LT Baelai to launch both squadrons" Keliaya@anncarise FX | VF launches both squadrons, meeting the Lupan's fighters as the packship closes in and provides covering fire with its broadside barrage. Keliaya@anncarise FX | QanwI' manages to take out one of the escorts on it, shields still holding as it continues to evade most of the hits from the other two. Keelah@crystyll: "ETA for the Constructs?" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Twelve minutes!" Keliaya@anncarise | One of the Lupan fighters is hit and careens, smashing into the VF and causing the bridge to shake again. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Armour integrity is down to 19%." Keelah@crystyll braces, scowling, "Switch dorsal batteries to defensive fire. Don't let anything get through!" Keliaya@anncarise | Several fighters try the same, but are gunned down by the batteries and point defense. Keliaya@anncarise | On the tactical screen, two of the blips representing Lupan escorts manage to dart past the intercept squadrons, making an attack run on one of the Guild cruisers. Keelah@crystyll | Rianni tries to divert QanwI' to intercept and defend the cruiser Keliaya@anncarise | QanwI' takes a moment to shake off its current pursuers. One of the Lupan blips disappear as QanwI' takes out an escort, but the cruiser flickers and fades from the display as well, its loss - Keliaya@anncarise: - signified by a distant flash on the viewscreen. Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "We need support on the defensive line! They've taken out a cruiser and several satellites!" Keelah@crystyll: <C> Acknowledged, we're coming around to reinforce your lines" Keelah@crystyll: "Mr. Fisher" she nods to the front Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher nods and taps his console. The ship departs the battle with the current Packship, heading back towards Terminu with the squadrons. The packship does not try to intercept, likewise moving - Keliaya@anncarise: - with its squadrons to reinforce the offensive line. Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "The Nuhar have appeared on long-range sensors! The Lupan are showing no response to them." Keliaya@anncarise: "Looks like our deception is working. We just have to hold out until they get here." Keelah@crystyll casts a brief sideways smile to Rianni who barely notices as she works frantically with the biggest chess set of her life Keelah@crystyll: "Defensive postures on all fronts. Reinforce the line and don't let them through" Keliaya@anncarise | VF positions itself in the line where the destroyed cruiser formerly was. The Lupan reform as well, now a single line of six packships with escorts and fighters behind. Keliaya@anncarise | Soon, the battle resumes with full intensity as both sides exchange broadside fire and the escorts and fighters begin emerging from behind the line. Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "Continue harassing the escorts. You may lose some of yours, but this is the critical moment. It is their death, or all of ours." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Keep them on a backfoot" Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "QanwI' is forming up with Eon and our squadrons to serve as an additional interception squadron." Keelah@crystyll: "That's it, keep the pressure on. We can't let them give a second thought to the Constructs" Keliaya@anncarise | The interception squadrons meet the Lupan escorts head on as they try to emerge for more attack runs. The Lupan don't duck back behind the packship line though, apparently sharing Azatul's - Keliaya@anncarise: - analysis that this is the key moment in the battle. There are flickers across the map as the two sides meet and each try to outmaneuver the other. Keliaya@anncarise | Two Lupan escorts go down, but so do two of the four Guild destroyers and several of the Rider craft. Keelah@crystyll mutters quietly, "Come on Lexi..." Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "Runabout Pennypack and Shuttlecraft Von Essen have sustained minor damage." Keliaya@anncarise | On the tactical map, a single Lupan escort and four fighters break through, heading for the last Guild cruiser... Keelah@crystyll: "Intercept that escort. We can't lose another cruiser" Keliaya@anncarise | Valley Forge moves between the escort and the cruiser, phasers firing. The escort returns fire, shaking the bridge. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The generated armour is gone!" Keelah@crystyll: "Auxiliary power to shield generators" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Rerouting!" Keliaya@anncarise | The four fighters try to use the opportunity to attack but are all taken out. The escort continues to fire but its shots are deflected by the VF's conventional shields, while VF's return fire - Keliaya@anncarise: - burns past its shields and it finally decides to pull back, plasma leaking from its aft. Keliaya@anncarise | Vrolmacht: "The packships are breaking formation and advancing to support the escorts!" Keelah@crystyll | QanwI' spots the wounded escort fleeing and swings in tight behind it, firing it's afterburner to ignite the plasma trail as the escort rejoins it's support ships Keliaya@anncarise FX | The wounded escort goes down in a ball of plasma, but QanwI' is quickly forced to duck back as the six large Lupan carriers advance menacingly... Keliaya@anncarise | Azatul: "They will suffer heavy losses, but a Holy Warrior does anything to win." Keelah@crystyll: "So does Captain Vix..." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "The Nuhar are inbound in thirty seconds!" Keliaya@anncarise | The packships fire as they move forward, taking out more defense platforms and shaking the bridge more. Keelah@crystyll: "Break formation and feign towards the Nuhar. Let them think we are working to maintain the illusion" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "On it, Captain!" Keliaya@anncarise | The VF breaks formation, heading for the incoming Nuhar, The packships ignore them as they continue towards the planet, taking out defense satellites as they go. Keliaya@anncarise | Then, sixteen Nuhar constructs warp in beside the VF. The AI vessels waste no time as a single red beam emanates from the front of each one, impacting their chosen target. Keelah@crystyll: "Bring us about and join the offensive. Signal the Guild line to push forwards and drive the lupan back" Keliaya@anncarise | In a single volley, the remainder of the Lupan ships are instantly reduced to debris, the Nuhar not even having moved from their warp-in positions. Keelah@crystyll blink-blinks, "Um... belay that, I guess..." Keliaya@anncarise | A few scattered fighters are still on the map in complete chaos now as the surviving Riders give chase across the battlefield. Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "We did it. I will admit, for a moment there I didn't think we would actually win." Keelah@crystyll: "Did we really just not long ago sit between hundreds of these things and put them straight on their own affairs..." Keelah@crystyll: <C> "A well fought victory Commander, we stand by to assist with your wounded and repairs" Keelah@crystyll: "Mia, please have Relay convey our deepest thanks to the Constructs" Keelah@crystyll | Miadrone beeps an affirmative Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Thank you. Guild reinforcements should arrive in a few hours to take over." Keelah@crystyll: "I would imagine that should put the Lupan off from making more attacks for a while now" Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "It'll take longer to bring the defense network back up to full capacity, but our victory here and the arrival of reinforcements will certainly dissuade the Lupan." Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Thank you again, Captain. We would never have been able to hold out without your assistance and the timely arrival of your AI friends." Keelah@crystyll: "This is the strength of a united front" Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Indeed it is. The Guild has usually supported other, less capable factions in the region, but we have not had the luxury of allies such as yourself." Keelah@crystyll: "As long as our future battles are fought on the same side Commander, call me happy" Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "I don't see any reason the Guild would be hired to fight you. We usually help defend colonies like this one. And with friends like these, I don't think any payment'll be - Keliaya@anncarise: - enough for us to make a move as suicidal as taking you on." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Anyway. We must tend to our own repairs as well. We won't be running off just this moment, so will begin sweeping the debris" Keliaya@anncarise | Guild Commander: "Our vessels will do the same." Keliaya@anncarise | The camera zooms out to show the aftermath of the battle, with the field of debris and sixteen constructs still hovering there. Keliaya@anncarise | It pans out further, showing the planet with the binary stars in the background, then other stars, then... Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://i.imgur.com/tj91eHr.png?1 Keliaya@anncarise | The camera zooms into the top of the mystery facility, past a transparent wall into a room that is transparent on all sides save the floor and a single far wall. Keliaya@anncarise | Five old female Lupan are seated in chairs on a raised platform, flanked by several younger females each. Keliaya@anncarise | A hologram of a kneeling Lupan female forms in the lower part of the room. Keliaya@anncarise | Hologram: "Honoured Elders." Keliaya@anncarise | Elder 1: "The Star-Blade is beginning to pose a problem." Keliaya@anncarise | Hologram: "I understand. We are working on the plan-" Keliaya@anncarise | Elder 2: "Accelerate your schedule. Take the final samples from the Star-Blade and destroy the rest. They must not be allowed to find the Holy City before we are ready." Keliaya@anncarise | Hologram: "As you command, my Elders." Keliaya@anncarise | Elder 3: "Do not fail us, Sister Talaan. The future of all Lupan rests upon our success." Keliaya@anncarise | The hologram fades, then the camera...

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AFTER ACTION REPORT STARFLEET SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL 2 | Confidential

FILED BY

CAPT Se'Lai

ON STARDATE

97495.9

LOCATION

KEY PERSONNEL

Sectors V-021

MISSION PARAMETERSOUTCOME SUMMARY Explore nearby star system with further signs of recent activity. System identified as Terminu; the known refugee haven for those fleeing the front lines against the Horde. Terminu colony was found to be under growing threat and repeated attack by Lupan raiders. Action taken to defend the refugees and repel further Lupan assaults.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Reinforce Terminu defenses with Nuhar code.

NARRATIVE

Upon arrival in the system, we detected a large number of vessels surrounding the planet. Many were of known Eltreiah designs, but a large portion were previously unseen to us. After establishing contact with the lead Guild vessel we learned that the system was on high alert due to threat from continuing Lupan raids in which civilians were being abducted. The Valley Forge moved to intercept the recent raiding vessel and recovered the abducted refugees.

A defense strategy was formulated and we made preparations to face the Lupan. QanwI' scouted long range and eventually reported a sizeable fleet that was evidently not just looking to abduct more refugees, but destroy the colony at Terminu. Knowing that our established defenses would never stand against such a sizable force, we requested reinforcements from the Nuhar in the hopes that at least some of the Constructs would still be in the vicinity of the Waystation and able to assist. Their usual flair for deliberation not withstanding, they eventually decided to send support though it would not arrive before the Lupan fleet. We amended our strategy with the aim to hold out until reinforcements arrived, with little other option available. Though losses were heavy, they were well within forecasts and the Nuhar reinforcements made light work of what Lupan vessels remained at the time.