Bug, Meet Boot

[Pel Orion]

Cartao System
Sixth Planet
Eighth Moon
14:36 Standard Cartaoan Time

They were but hours from total annexation of the Cartaoan system. Hours away from completely destroying what little remnants remained of the old system government. They, and whatever forces still loyal to them, had holed up here in the farthest inhabitable planetoid in the system, preparing a small, but by no means weak, defense against Orion's forces. Now, Orion could have waited, repair his vessels and recruit more sailors and soldiers, but he didn't want the infestation that the planetary government was, growing out here on the system periphery. It had to be stopped now, and Orion was going to do it.

For the sixth time, he poured over the fleet roster. His flagship, the first and only Cartao Class carrier cruiser just off the slips of the Cartaoan Shipyards, took center in the fleet formation. Escorted closely by four DP20 frigates, all of which in derelict condition. In the lead of the formation were two Hammerhead cruisers, flanked on each side by two Thranta corvettes. It was the entirety of his fleet, many of which were damaged, but he didn't pay much mind. Soon enough he would have companies and outsourced shipyards creating a whole new fleet for the Admiralty to rule with, this current situation was but an intermediary that would serve a purpose.

Orion picked up a datapad from a near table and typed in a command to bring up the latest report. Historically, there was one military fortress on the moon, slightly outdated but far from abandoned. It seemed thats where the remnants of the planetary defense force had held up. In orbit of the moon, lay one Hammerhead cruisers, two DP20 frigates, and three Thranta corvettes, all of the planetary defense force that hadn't remained with Orion. They were coming in range within ten minutes, and it would be a hard fight, despite their superior numbers. Orion turned to his next in command, Lord High Admiral [member="Kemoth of Asteria"], "I hope you are prepared to witness what will be the next step in the Admiralty's rise to greatness, for it is about to begin."

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Location: The Admiralty Flagship
Allies (In Proximity): [member="Pel Orion"] [member="Kemoth of Asteria"]


Proper and clean, at least that was the attempt Cyn had made with her uniform after the latest damage reports she acquired. Granted most of the report seemed superficial when considering the larger picture of "Can this Ship fight?" and for that matter she forwarded her report to her superior officer. Another battle would begin quite soon, alarms signalling for the crew to prepare and the weapons teams quickly marched about. Even with the news of superior numbers and the looming defeat the now defunct Cartaoan Government, all naval personnel remained vigilant. Concerned but determined looks were seen in all their eyes, even Cyn felt a small smirk tugging the corners of her lips.

Cyn quickened her pace to reach the bridge, orders stated to immediately return to the bridge once her reports were sent in and thus she would promptly complete them. Her hands reached above her head to straighten her cap as she entered the bridge, hands quickly collapsed to her side and quickly stood to attention. The other officers were quickly finishing their assignments and Cyn watched with all her attention to the happenings on the bridge. Focus on picking up the tasks required, her Commanding Officers orders and body language, this was her time to learn. Her time to learn and one day use all her knowledge to command her own ship. Afterall the officers under the command of the Lord Admiral and Leader of The Admiralty himself must be the best if not the greatest, and Cyn's ambition would be a trait needed to be considered as such.

Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas, unfortunately for our enemies there was no antidote for us

 

[RC-0883]

The Iron Major was making his usual rounds of the 22nd. Visiting the Garages that held the Tanks and ICV's along with the Mastiffs that operated them. Drama was their in-all-but-name Leader and piloted the Head Flint Tank. The gruff hairy man sat atop his Vehicle yelling at some poor Terriers attempting to clear their Flint Tank certification, oblivious to the upcoming Battle.

"What is this!? This Vehicle was to be prepared for deployment hours ago." Bunker shouted at the large man.

"Relax Boss. Ol' Berny is ready to go," Drama said as he pat the hull of his throne. "I was just letting the pups fumble around with the big boy ride."

"Just get that thing down to the Hangar. You'll be going down with the first transport down to the Fortress. And don't ever address me as Boss. Clear Marine?"

"Aye Major"

Drama didn't know the tragedy of Bravo Pod, and Bunker would never tell his men his sob story. Disgruntled about his reaction to his deceased brother's name, the Major went off to seek the next unit that may need him.

 

[Kemoth of Asteria]

[SIZE=11pt]Location: Bridge of the Cartao[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Allies: [member="Pel Orion"] [member="Cynthia Alucard"] [member="RC-0883"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Kemoth was in a seat next to the captain’s chair of the Cartao-class carrier-cruiser that had just run off the line. Her eyes had gazed upon far superior vessels, but the Cartao-class would be the first class of starships built by the Admiralty, and Kemoth believed that their inexperience in shipbuilding didn’t seem to impact the design too heavily.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Greatness is hard to acquire, and can come at equally great cost. Let us hope this battle does not cost us too much, Navarch.” She looked to Orion, eyes bright and alert, face silent in expression and stoic.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Kemoth’s fingers tapped at the screen attached to her seat, looking over their starfighter and bomber complement before moving to another part of the records that had their armament listed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“This is Admiral Kemoth. All hands to battlestations. Direct power to facing shields.” Kemoth gave her first commands of the start of this battle.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Prepare the damage control and engineering crews. Deploy damage control and engineering crews to mend the most severely damaged systems. I want us working to keep our ships intact before the battle even starts.” Kemoth inhaled a deep, slow breath.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Begin security patrols across the fleet, and station security forces at strategic choke points. If even a single vessel is boarded, you will fight to force the enemy off of your ship.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Deploy the starfighter screen. When we are in range of the enemy vessels, the DP20 frigates are to launch 32 concussion missiles at each enemy vessel. Fire at will with all weapons when we are within range.” Kemoth waited a few moments, quirking her head at the viewing screen.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Create a defensive firing grid to ward off and destroy enemy starfighters, missiles, and torpedoes.” Kemoth let her battle meditation spread throughout their fleet. It would make them better in every way, an invaluable advantage against an already disadvantaged foe.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”The Thranta-class corvettes are to face the enemy with their least damaged broadside when they are within weapons range. Bombers will be launched by the fleet when the first vessel’s shields are down, targeting that vessel to end it, escorted by two squadrons pulled from the screen.” Kemoth spoke gracefully, with a fluid voice that flowed without stutter or hesitation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Navarch, I suggest that the [i}Cartao[/i] positions itself behind our fleet to stay out of the firing range of the enemy. We can launch and direct our starfighters and bombers from here.” Kemoth looked back to [member="Pel Orion"], avoiding infringing on his command of the Cartao.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Kemoth wasn’t nervous. Her stomach did not stir, and her hands were still. Kemoth wasn’t worried, either. Not really. Sure, some ships might be damaged and even destroyed, but victory was going to come to them with ease. How could it not when they rode upon the chariots of the stars, not only in greater numbers but with the up-to-date Cartao-class carrier-cruiser? The Admiralty of Cartao would see its start today, indeed, and there was little that the enemy would be able to do to prevent it. [/SIZE]

 

[RC-0883]

The Shepherds are the men Bunker was most proud to Command. Given the Commando's limited experience in Naval operations, they sort of trained themselves. They have even shown Bunker a thing or two, developing their own Zero-Gravity Combat Tactics. They made their homes in these vessels and are glad to protect them.

With Admiral Kemoth's announcement, the scramble of personnel started. Ensigns and Officers alike rushed to their stations, Mastiffs with heavy Launchers ran as fast as their load would allow them, even the occasional Dane could be caught ducking through the crowd.

But the Shepherds showed no sign of chaos, they were the prime example of discipline and purpose. Security Patrols had already gathered and were marching with a confident focus that gave those around them a sense of saftey that couldn't be trained. Guards could bee seen at every station, the Armory was dispursed quickly and efficiently, and all this had been done without Bunker giving a single command. The Major glowed with pride under his helmet as he entered the Bridge to watch the Space Battle.

[member="Kemoth of Asteria"]
[member="Cynthia Alucard"]
[member="Pel Orion"]

 

[Priscilla Utorna]

Location: Cartao class cruiser (Flagship)
In proximity [member="Cynthia Alucard"] I [member="Pel Orion"] I [member="RC-0883"] I [member="Kemoth of Asteria"]

While she herself was a veteran of the Cartao Volunteer Force she felt out of place and out of touch with the navy of the newly formed Admiralty. She definitely wasn't used to the formal uniform that she had been presented with, though that was to be expected given by taking up this particular job offer she skipped the manual labour that often accompanied the subordinates to the officer ranks. For this occasion, she even put her hair in a bun and covered it with a cap, knowing it was most likely far too long for any practical use. Unsurprisingly, she felt a bit old compared to the others within her class, noticing they were all fairly young men and women most definitely not showing the signs of aging that Natasha often found herself covering up with cosmetics, but not on this occasion.

With age came experience though, completing her report well ahead of anybody else in the room she was situation in. Slightly worrying, as soon as it was forwarded she received a reply almost immediately that looked automated in every sense of the word telling her to go the bridge. She removed her cap from the chair that she was sitting on and made headway, looking down as she walked and contemplating if that pay rise was really worth betraying the nation she had lived in for all of her life. Betraying the many colleagues she had made in the Volunteer force, was the material value worth it all? She recognized a few faces, though she knew some of her comrades had stayed behind to defend what was now for all intents and purposes a city-state.

Unknowingly, she bumped into someone as she quickened her pace, receiving a "Sorry!" which made the walk seem less isolated and confined, though all she could muster back was a half-hearted wave of acknowledgement while feeling that sinking feeling that always accompanied whenever she knew she was about to be responsible for death.

Similarly to [member="Cynthia Alucard"], she stood patiently, listening to [member="Kemoth of Asteria"] and [member="Pel Orion"] in particular while seeing if there was anything else that needed to be completed.

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Location: The Admiralty Flagship Cartao
Allies (In Proximity): [member="Pel Orion"] [member="Kemoth of Asteria"] [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] [member="RC-0883"]

Her datapad materialized in front her, the Lord Admiral's orders rang through the ship and Cyn wasted no time to begin reading the slew of reports. There was no fear of being boarded, rather there only understanding in Cyn as she briefly checked on her own side arm as she walked towards one of the communication officer. Cyn's last assessment of the weapons array were green lit and ready to fire if the enemy fleet managed to break through and reach within the Flagship's own weapon's range. Though at the moment their forward shields needed the power as they would play a more defensive position and launch their compliment of star-fighters and bombers to assist their corvette escort.

"Ensign, the pilots are ready in the hanger-bay," The Communications Officer relayed to Cyn.

"Confirm the Lord Admiral's orders with the pilots, even if our enemy appears easy to destroy it will do us no good if we execute our orders sloppily," Cyn responded to the Communications Officer, she then returned back to her datapad to review the next reports incoming her way. The pilots of the fighter-craft began to launch from their hangers while the Bombers followed their orders and waited.

Cyn looked up from her post to see the screens in front of her of the space battle unfolding right before her, it seemed almost childish like a game Cyn would play. Though being apart of the battle quickly sobered Cyn's excitement and childish thoughts as she returned back to her datapad. Her focus was needed here and her mind should not wonder off into the stars.

 

[Pel Orion]

Orion responded halfhearted to Kemoth, already turning his attention back to the battle, "Indeed Admiral." Although he watched the viewport intently, he listened to the orders that [member="Kemoth of Asteria"] gave. For Orion, this wasn't a battle, he knew that the Admiralty would prevail, and that the Cartaoan government in exile would be eliminated. No, this was a test for his Admiralty, to see how his new high command and even the rank and file itself would perform. The only frame of reference he had acquired about his new military, was the coup on Cartao, which was far to chaotic to gauge their ability. Now he was watching them, to see where they failed, and where they excelled, to learn what his Admiralty needed to survive in the ever shrinking conclave of the inner rim.

When Kemoth made her suggestion, he waved his hand and responded, "I am an observer today, you are in command. Do what you wish with my ship, admiral." Orion took a deep breath than stood up from his chair, deciding to take a tour of his flagship to watch how his crew performed. Not only that, but he had some additional business to attend to from within his stateroom. Orion pointed towards one of the junior officers on the bridge, no doubt waiting for some order. Orion ordered to [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"], "You, watch-stander, follow me. I need an aid, so pick up a datapad and follow me." Orion turned his heel and started walking towards the exit of the birdge. He stopped momentarily to garner at a new comer on the bridge, a marine major as signified by his attire. Orion nodded towards him, recognizing the major as the commander of the ship's marine detachment, "Major, I wish you and your men good tidings in your fight." Orion pulled an informal salute towards [member="RC-0883"], and carried on with his business, leaving the bridge.

 

[Priscilla Utorna]

Location: Cartao class cruiser (Flagship)
In proximity [member="Cynthia Alucard"] I [member="Pel Orion"] I [member="RC-0883"] I [member="Kemoth of Asteria"]

Natasha saluted as soon as Orion approached her and gave a nod of acknowledgement, scrambling to find a datapad. It was not unusual for Junior Officers to be given monotonous tasks, though the prospect of being simply addressed by the Navarch did excite her slightly. She wasn't one to care about titles, but she made a special exception for the man who had single handedly started a revolution and overthrew a corrupt government replacing it with something a lot more benevolant.

In the slight flurry of movement that followed the Lord Admiral's orders, she at first had difficulty finding a datapad, though somebody who had obviously overheard the conversation tapped her on the back. "You'll be needing this" the man winking to her. It was actually the same man who had bumped into her in the corridor minutes prior, offering his condolences in the form of a practical gift over a meaningless apology for such a small mistake. Natasha smiled at the man, looking to his insignia and seeing that he was actually a Lieutenant and then saluting as appropriate.

"Heh don't mention it. Go get 'em ti-.. bear.​" Noticing the woman's tattoos underneath her eyes.

Immediately after she made headway for the exit of the bridge, following closely behind the Navarch with anticipation as to what he wanted done. Being assigned as an aide sure beat the regular of writing what seemed to be tiring and boring reports, though she knew they were necessary in the running of a ship.

 

[RC-0883]

Bunker gave Orion a short nod to acknowledge his blessing. Layers of chatter filled his helmets internal comlink, but the Commando was a man used to painting a picture of a Battle with a hundred voices. It was clear they were winning the engagement, fighters were reporting minimal losses and the larger ships had yet to sustain any major damages. Confident the Battle would continued to go as well without his presence, Bunker exited the Bridge to join the 22nd Vanguard in the Main Hangar. While navigating his way the Hangar, he was joined by one of his youngest Captains. Captain Duke, the most talented of the Great Danes rushed to his side.

"I was informed Drama would be leading the Vanguard. You're supposed to be drinking caff with the big wigs on the Bridge." Duke said he strapped his Sniper to the webbing on his back.

"I'm sure the caff will taste the same without my social charm. Besides without me Drama is likely to set the whole moon on fire. You know how he gets inside that Flint Tank." Bunker replied.

Duke made an exaggerated frightened face, "It's downright scary. I don't know how anyone can be in the same vehicle with that kind of crazy. What does he call that ride of his again?"

"Have you ever met his crew? They're all the same way. They call it the St. Bernard, Berny for short." Bunker ended the conversation when they came to the Main Hangar entrance. The atmosphere inside was tense, men quietly made their final preparations before deployment. Pre-battle rituals could be seen all around, some men chanted to themselves while others sat silently in groups rechecking equipment, one soldier was even sleeping peacefully in full gear.

Bunker and Duke found Drama already inside the Lead Tank cockpit. Duke shot up the to manhole opening at the top of the Tank and shouted into it. "Hey! The Major said go back to your bunks, he's going down himself." Duke was answered with shouts of disapproval and flying metal parts. Still he grinned like he was a HoloNet comedian.

The Iron Major turned on the voice amplification system inside his helmet to address the whole room.

"Gentlemen, we are the Admiral's Hounds. With the blessing of the Navarch himself we will bring him total conquest. Trust in your training, protect your brothers and show no mercy. Bare your Fangs Boys and savor the sweet taste of Victory!" RC-0883 paused as a roar of enthusiasm took over the Hangar. "How about it Captain Drama. Does your Vanguard have room for a few more guns?" The roar impossibly grew louder than before as the Iron Major himself prepared for battle.


[member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] [member="Pel Orion"] [member="Cynthia Alucard"] [member="Kemoth of Asteria"]

 

[Kemoth of Asteria]

[SIZE=11pt]Location: Bridge of the Cartao, Cartao-class Carrier-Cruiser, Admiralty Flagship[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]Allies: [member="Pel Orion"] [member="Cynthia Alucard"] [member="RC-0883"] [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Confirmation request from the hangers, ma’am.” A strong-voiced male ensign called out just as he sent the notification to Kemoth’s console. When it popped up on the screen, Kemoth gave a two-finger acknowledgement, tilting the fingers from their position on her chair’s armrest.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Orders confirmed. I repeat, deploy starfighters, wait until the first enemy capital ship’s shield is down to launch the bombers. When the bombers are deployed, recall two starfighters from attacking to escort them.” Kemoth’s voice recording and fingerprint scan would make its way back to [member="Cynthia Alucard"]. She looked back to the viewscreen of the Cartao’s internal bridge. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Understood, Navarch.” Kemoth replied to the man, watching him depart with the woman that had become his new aid. She watched the Thranta-class vessels moving into their positions - their most undamaged broadsides firing away at a the enemy vessels at full power. The Hammmerheads did much the same, and Kemoth waited for the starfighter screen to form patiently.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Defensive grid in place, sir.” A soft-voiced female lieutenant called out.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Hm. Ma’am, sir… they seem not to have made their decision in what to call me. We’ll see what they decide after this, I suppose, if they decide at all.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Understood, lieutenant.” Kemoth said. ”Are facing shields on all ships to full?” She questioned the bridge officer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Yes, sir.” The lieutenant called out. Kemoth let out a hum of acknowledgement.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”Someone get me a status report on the repair and engineering crews’ progress once the enemy deploys their starfighter screen. I want ours active ASAP.” Kemoth called out. Kemoth gazed at the screen as alert as ever, enemy fire radiating off of the shields of the vessels on the attack - not doing much damage to any major systems. She didn't seem phased by the enemy.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Her battle meditation was still going. No one would be lacking in alertness today. One small thing a single soldier noticed, every commanding officer would be aware of. With her battle meditation, the crews of these ships would be alert, more capable, able to react faster, and more aware. It was such an useful Force ability, and one Kemoth was glad to have in her arsenal.[/SIZE]

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Location: The Admiralty Flagship Cartao
Allies (Addressing): [member="Kemoth of Asteria"]

Starfighters began to take off and both on the forward screen and on her Datapad Cyn saw the fighters begin to form up and start their approach. With superior numbers it would be no issue to overwhelm the enemy, either the enemy would focus on as much of space craft as possible or focus on singular targets while ignoring other threats. Not a position Cyn envied, not at all in fact.

The forward two Hammerhead cruisers began their attack run, along with the broadside barrage from the four escort Thranta-Class corvettes as well. Cyn kept her datapad close to her as she continued to move reports into a coherent readable overall report. The two lead Hammerhead cruisers along with their two corvette escorts damage readings and reports were prioritized first as Cyn continued to follow the next reports of the successful missile launches of their own DP20 frigates. The Starfigthers would soon begin their own attack run to act as a screen for larger ships, though Cyn was only focused on the larger ships.

The Lord Admiral requested for new reports and with a nod to the Communication Officer Cyn marched quickly towards her Admiral and transmitted her reports as she spoke, "The Cartao Engineering have reported optimal output of our engines and all systems green, while both Hammerhead Engineering crews have reported less than optimal power output of their systems. Shields running at eighty percent while weapon systems firing below sixty percent," Cyn took a moment to pause and display the readings from her datapad.

"The four escort corvettes have reported better outputs of their weapon systems to help compensate, while our DP20 frigates are reporting all green and can sustain their missile output to crack open our enemies defenses, our starfighters. . . " Cyn trailed off as she pulled up the reports of their fighter wings, ". . . will soon make contract. The enemy's losses and damage report will start coming in soon Lord Admiral," Cyn concluded with a final short bow.

 

[Pel Orion]

As Orion walked, much slower than the junior officer half his age, he spoke hoarsely, "I want your age, rank and name, sailor. I need a new aide and I can't wait three days for the command to find me one." Orion stopped in the middle of the walkway, turning towards [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] and straightening his bright red uniform, "Here is your first set of orders, sailor, give your former commanding officer a report of transfer to my personal staff, effective immediately. Send out an order to the communications department aboard ship to set up the high powered holocommunications relay in my stateroom, and have the wardroom whip up a kettle of my grey Taanab tea." Orion began walking again, but didn't cease to talk, "Lets move on, I have to tour the starboard hangar section, I need to greet an old friend before we head to my state room."

Orion led Natasha up and throughout the inner corridors of the Cartao, eventually leading to the hangar bay. It was a bluster of activity in the starboard hangar bay. Every craft available was either being launched, or preparing to be launched. Flight crews, mechanics, and tower officers were rushing around to their stations, each carrying out their duty. Orion made it past many of them without garnering a salute, one of the few times he could find the crew so preoccupied to salute their chief command officer. He made his way up one of the staircases into the hangar command center, where the ship's CSG commanded the carrier's starfighter operations. When Orion entered, the CSG was seen shouting orders into a headset communicator gripped in a clenched fist. A smile cracked on his face when he saw Orion, "Pel!" Orion reciprocated the reaction, "Laken, how are things here in the tower?" Laken dropped the headset on the console in front of him and crossed his arms, "A whirlwind of cocky pilots and distressed control officers. Just the way I like it." Orion nodded, "Good, I wanted to check up on you before the battle, its been too long shipmate." Laken winked at Orion, "Next chance you get, give me a ring and we can have a drink." Orion responded briskly before making his way out, "First round's on me." Laken nodded back and went back to duty.

Orion gave an answer to a question Natasha wouldn't have time to ask, "That was Captain Laken Borneo, he served under me during my time as an officer within the Cartaoan Defense Force, many sea stories have been shared, and I haven't had a chance to say hello since before the coup. Always good to say 'good day' to your friends, for you never know when it might be the last." Orion snapped with his brittle fingers, "Now, onto the stateroom. We have a call to make."

 

[Priscilla Utorna]

Location: Cartao class cruiser (Flagship)

In proximity [member="Cynthia Alucard"] I [member="Pel Orion"] I [member="RC-0883"] I [member="Kemoth of Asteria"]

"Natasha Romodanvosky, 31, Ensign." While looking down at the datapad, rapidly typing out messages, one to her former commanding officer, whom she was assuming she was now permanently under the command of the Navarch, one to the communications department, stating to set up a communications relay and finally one to the wardroom to prepare the Admiral's tea. After each one, she would look up to make sure she wasn't about to walk into someone again.

After a few minutes, she received some form of response from from each of them, two of them simply an affirmation of receiving the message and the wardroom asking how many sugars the Navarch took. Natasha sighed and typed out a hasty response, rather than bother Orion with such a mundane question.

------------------------------------------------
Bring it in a separate jar, along with milk.
------------------------------------------------

Natasha was in a state of wonder as she watched the crew prep the starcraft for launch, some repairing the damage others coming back in for refueling. Needless to say, Natasha was never cut out for the Starfighting Corps, she found it difficult to handle the stress of it. On the ground or even on a larger starship, it was much easier given you had people to rely on if you were underperforming, but in space in a at most 20 meter long ship the only thing saving your bacon was a deflector shield and some plating. No escape pods, no rescue if you even tried to eject, and more importantly no comfort in the form of central heating.

She nodded and smiled at Captain Laken, nodding as he mentioned the Cartaoan Defense Force. "I served in the CDF as an officer, albeit on the ground and the most action we ever saw were training exercises and a total of one riot against the canteen's food. Good comrades, bad pay for me personally. Can't say I've seen many of them after the Coup."

The most exciting part of this was going to be witnessing the stateroom, something she had never had the luxury of stepping foot in before.

 

[Pel Orion]

Although [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] might have had high expectations for the stateroom, she would be sorely disappointed. Being a ship freshly from the shipyards of Cartao, there had not been much time for interior decoration. It was however, a large room, only filled by a desk, a plain bed, and a temporarily placed long range relay console. Most of the furniture that was scheduled to be placed in the room had not been installed, so it was very spacey for its five occupants, the Navarch, his aide, and the three console technicians.

Orion sat down at his desk and snapped his fingers, prompting the technicians to move the relay towards his desk. He was grateful that his tea was already on his desk, and nodded towards Natasha, a simple thanks in lieu of a vocal one. He sipped it softly after dropping two sugar cubes into the cup, waiting for the technicians to set up the relay. They knew the coordinates of the transmission, it had been logged in the mission brief before setting out for the gas giant. One of the technicians nodded, and Orion set down his tea, knowing what was about to happen.

"President."

"Admiral."

"Its Navarch now, president Faear. You know why I'm making this transmission." Orion shot back, traces of malice leaking from his voice. Faear sneered at the title, she looked far worse than Orion had last seen over one year ago. Faear eyes were ringed with exhaustion, her once blonde hair was filled with grays, no doubt from stress. But by far the most different feature was her size, she had grown much fatter than he had remembered, it seemed the duties of president and the coup had a drastic effect on her body.

"Surrendow now, Faear, I can promise a comfortable detainment in the hills of Albato, and I'll spare your men. This conflict doesn't need to end in blood."

"Oh yes it does Orion, you started a fight, now you'll end it."

"Even in the needless slaughter of Cartaoans? You have become far more cruel since you were in power."

"Do not try and stall with me, Orion! I will never come out of this stronghold willingly, you and your stormtroopers will have to pry me out of here before i ever surrender to you!"

The relay ended with Faear standing, taking up the entire screen, with her face red and hair astray. Orion tssked, "I never cared for that fat crone anyway." He turned to one of the technicians, "Inform the fleet commander to hasten their attack on the enemy, I want the marines on the ground as soon as possible. We shall grant the wish of the former president." The technician nodded, and left the stateroom, followed by the two others wheeling the relay station out, leaving Natasha and Orion alone.

[member="Cynthia Alucard"] @RC-0883

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Location: The Admiralty Flagship Cartao
Allies (Awaiting Orders): [member="Pel Orion"]
Allies (In Vicinity): [member="Natasha Romodanvosky"] [member="RC-0883"]

It was not what Cyn expected.

It certainly was not what she thought could had been possible.

Cyn's body was thrown back towards the bridge, before she could even think let alone blink a pair of strong arms surrounded her waist as she felt herself once again thrown. Now she had enough sense to brace herself with arms crossed in front to shield herself from the impact. Cyn grimaced as she landed and quickly sound began to return to her as well as her senses, alarms blaring and yelling everywhere. Literally everywhere. Cyn's poor ears could barely tell the difference from screams of pain and yells of orders but what she could begin to fathom was that the bridge was hit and the blockhead doors that lead into the bridge were now sealed.

Time began to slowly pace back to normal, or rather she began to register time at a normal pace. One of the crewmen had began to help Cyn up as she was slowly given towards a nearby Medic. Information, Cyn barely registered any as the Medic rambled on about her vitals and apparently only noticed her incoherence and wide eye look. Words soon began to take meaning and Cyn started to focus more and more on her surroundings.

"This is why I never wanted to join the ground pounders," Cyn mumbled angrily, grasping her head with both her hands.

"What?" The Medic asked, clearly showing signs of relief that at least Cyn began to talk.

"My head, my ears, and almost everything hurts," Cyn mouthed out clearly, her focus now returning and the pain seemingly doubled. "What-" Cyn gritted her teeth, "-Happened?" Not like she needed someone else to answer that for her. Cyn knew what happened, to the bridge and to her.

"It seems the bridge was hit, nobody is sure right now by what it looks like very few made it out in time. Lucky for you someone managed to toss you back before the doors sealed," the Medic responded, his scanners giving him the affirmative to move on and check on the other injured. "You may want to take it easy, once you regained more of your motor ability, go straight to the Med-bay," He added as he walked off to check on the others.

Cyn only managed a single nod and grumble. This was certainly not the way she had intended on beginning her career and definitely not how she wanted to face a near-death experience. Her head started to clear and her ear's ringing died down as she slowly stood straight up, her hands reflexively patted down her uniform. Her eyes widened as she stared down to note several spots were scorched, torn and completely unprofessional. Cyn breathed in deeply and released slowly, her hands motioning herself to stay calm as she began to walk gracefully towards her room. Her body ached from the movement but she needed her replacement datapad and a new fresh uniform. The Admiralty needed her now more than ever to keep up her duty, Cyn's hand reached down for her datapad all crushed but salvageable.

Her room was unaffected by whatever happened to them on the bridge, and she quickly grabbed her new uniform and quickly changed into as she scavenged for her new datapad. Cyn hurried herself as she found her new datapad and began to replace the memory data core into her new pad, her feet already heading back out of her. Cyn's free hand grasped at her cap and securely placed it on top of her head. Her CommUnit secure on her ear and collar as she began to race back towards the bridge and check up on the Engineering crew as well as keep an ear out for new orders. Cyn knew she looked worse for wear but her uniform did not, and for now that was all that mattered to her.

 

[Priscilla Utorna]

Location: Cartao class cruiser (Flagship)

In proximity: [member="Cynthia Alucard"] I [member="Pel Orion"] I [member="RC-0883"]

Natasha couldn't help but feel let down upon entering the room, seeing it so barren of furniture, though what did she really expect?

As [member="Pel Orion"] opened the transmission she couldn't help but look in shock at the President of Cartao, seeing how positively worst her condition had got. Natasha wasn't a real patriot for the old government, given there was nothing to be patriotic about. No real confidence to do anything other than bow to external sources and sign the country into unforgiving trade deals, exporting whatever resources they could get their hands on simply for the benefit of Faear's corporate cronies and sycophants who had nothing better to do than suck up to a weak spined leader. "Leader" was even questionable as she had no democratic mandate among the common people, being elected out of fear of increased authoritarian policies.

She turned to Orion and began speaking.

"Navarch, do you need anything else done?"

Meanwhile... the bridge was taking a pounding from enemy fire. Natasha's form wobbled every few seconds. They've stepped up their game.