A Game of Starships IC [FT] (OPEN)

by **Ularn** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 2:48 am

Boarding Lounge, Starbase Holland-3
Scott glanced down at his chest and swore. A dribble of sauce from his noodles had spilt onto his uniform, leaving a thin line of orangey-brown against the grey. Frowning, he licked a thumb and started to dab at it with some success. There was a spare tunic in his carry-on luggage; maybe he'd still have time to change before the squad leader got back.

He caught Amy looking at him with a knowing smirk and shot her a glance of feigned annoyance. She was sitting on the opposite bench, cap on her lap so that you could see her short dark hair, trimmed to a close buzz cut like Scott's, as she tucked in to a chicken sandwich. Of course, this far from anywhere, there was likely to be as much real chicken in the sandwich as there was water on Venus.

Giving up on his uniform, Scott looked around the concourse and spotted a couple of other members of Marine Squad Sierra 1, 1st Erasmus Legion, Ularn Space Navy. They could easily be identified in their grey-on-grey uniforms, the double-crescent insignia of the Federation standing out from the left upper arm while scarlet rank strips ran vertically down the right. The squad had just finished with a month's furlough on Novo Brasil and were working their way back to home space. The vacation had been an incredible experience for Scott, Amy, and the three other humans in Sierra 1, none of whom had been around so many of their own kind since the Erasmus evacuation. Even Squad-Leader Ratho and the non-humans had a good time.

But now they were on the last stop before they reported in at Perihelion and got assigned to cargo inspection and counter-smuggling duties for the next six months. The squad should have been enjoying their last hours of freedom but in truth this was the third station they'd been on since leaving Buenos Aires and it was smaller than the last two. They'd perused all the shops and spent as many of their remaining credits as they dared. Now there was barely anything to do until boarding call. Amy had her reader with her and was working through some terran classic called Hornblower or something but Scott had packed his in his hold luggage, a decision he now severely regretted. Even his wrist comp had been confiscated as "potentially dangerous military equipment". That had caused a laugh. Dale Morgan was the squad's resident comm/tech specialist (read hacker) and while the computer suite he was issued with could probably wreak some significant havoc with the station's systems, any network that could be sliced into from just a warror's standard-issue wrist computer probably deserved to be flooded with viruses. Such protests had been lost on station security though, and the squad had seen the majority of their hardware taken from them and packed away in secure storage with their power armour to await being loaded into their transport to Perihelion. Taking the armour made sense (having soldiers from a foreign military wandering around in something whose punch could dent a hull was known in security circles as a "bad idea") but Scott wasn't even allowed to keep his gauss pistol and that was just plain insulting. Did they mean to imply he couldn't be trusted? The rounds couldn't even pierce a bulkhead!

There was a sudden humming noise from behind him and Scott ducked just in time to avoid being dive-bombed by a small, bright orange object. The thing angled away from the ground and shot away from him, zig-zagging left and right before rounding on him once more. The blonde haired marine had just had time to recognise it as a toy remote helicopter before it tagged him in the face with a foam dart.

Laughter erupted from behind one of the large planters about twenty yards away as Dale and Ricky stood up and high-fived. Dale manipulated the chopper's remote in his other hand as he guffawed like a loon. The tiny aircraft obediently whizzed back to its masters as Ricky yelled across at Scott, "You need to be faster than that, mate!"

"It's a better shot than him," Dale giggled, "Reckon Ratho would let it into the squad? What'd'you think Scott? We picked it up at the duty free,"

"I think you're all fucking hilarious," Scott told his friends sarcastically. Amy was giggling at him as well now. Scott let out an exasperated sigh and looked the the ceiling in mock prayer, "Fuck this for a game of starships," he muttered, "let's just get home already."

by **The Fedral Union** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:12 am

Over a small rocky world a space station tilted thirty degrees on its axis orbited, it was a place were the roads of trade and culture met, where everyone and everything blended together seamlessly. The starbase wasn't new indeed it had been in commission by the company it was built by for many years , it was known as space base Holland-3. Built the the Holland corporation of their own accord an investment in a space based venture by the companies owner much to the dismay of his finical advisers . But here it was a spherical shaped base with a ring running the circumference connected by several strong pylons at various points gracing the stars with its presence. The rays of light from an orange star gleaming upon its sleek gray plated hull. It had become something of an out of the way spot for travelers of all kind going to places not many frequented.
'
operations center-

Like always the operations center of the station was abuzz with activity, members of the staff were about at their stations taping their fingers on the holographic consoles that were before them. Samuel Harris the stations chief executive merely stood in the center of the room next to the large galactic map that was projected by a holographic table. It was zoomed in to the system and the space surrounding the station. ”Another day in paradise isn’t it sir?” The stations avatar flickered to life next to the CEO, Harris simple nodded and gave out a long sigh. ”But of course, its been quite dull this week compared to the festivities we had last week..” The AI chuckled softly , she leaned upon a bulkhead next to an auxiliary control panel it looked far more utilitarian than the normal sleeker consoles around ops. Harris walked over to view the map he leaned upon the console his eyes averting their gaze from each point the represented a ship coming towards the station.

-Security Checkpoint station cargo hold five-
Container after container ran through the security sensor sweeps that were in place around the large tubular maglev that connected docking ports to the cargo hold. This was a daily thing as millions upon millions of metric tons of goods flowed to and from the Terran Alliance. Security officers sat at their work stations the AI taking care of most of the work for them , they were there as back ups. One of the officers looked at a scan and furrowed a brow about to mention something before the AI said. ”Anomaly detected in container 56810”. The officer said with a sarcastic tone as a red light began to blink. ”Ya damn right thats an anomaly, stop all traffic and give me a status repor-” he couldn't finish his sentence the Ai cut him off. ”Its already done, I don't know what it is but I don't like the looks of it, I suggest we- The Ai couldn't finish what it was saying at that second the container it had I identified exploded, the last thing anyone in the room could see was a flash of light and then nothingness. The explosion ripped through various critical areas detonating further volatile materials in the line, the flash of bright light could be seen exiting the tube in to the docking bay the fire ball dissipating just before reaching some of the ships leaving a gaping billowing hole. Metal that was once solid turned to slag and solidified as it entered in to space in to a fine mist.

operations center-

”What the fuck just happened?!” Exclaimed Harris as he watched officers rush from station to station now klaxons began to ring throughout the command center. The AI spoke in a collective tone. ”I believe there’s been an explosion, tube beta section twenty three, shield generator five is offline.” Harris cursed under his breath, he couldn't help but wonder what happened or how it happened but he didn't have time for this speculation. He leaped in to action and started barking out orders. ”I want all incoming and out going traffic stopped.” the AI simply nodded .

lower sectors
The explosion had rocked the lower levels doors closed to the effected areas force field flickered to life klaxons began to ring The PA system came on throughout the station and the voice of the AI could be heard. ”Due to an unforeseen incident all out going and incoming transportation is suspended, Please stay where you are.” Information kiosks were swarmed by people demanding answers. Security officers and marines in armor could be seen in moving with haste to the effected area, through the various corridors.

by **Durmatagno** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:44 am

"GO GO GO, MOVE WHILE THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO REGROUP" a young woman wearing RAVEN type three power armor from the security checkpoint that had just been blown. The Green Rodrium bomb had been extremely effective at it's job, tearing holes in the metal everywhere, the group of maybe thirty marines rushed through the area, shooting a few twitching bodies to make sure that they stay down. Stopping a couple hundred meters away in a new corridor, the group pressed against the wall as footsteps were heard running their way, someone through a grenade around the corner before dropping the portable shield generator, a purple bubble of energy formed as the grenade went off.

Outside the Station

The assaulting fleet appeared at the edge of the system, shields up and guns ready to engage the stations defenses as the fighters moved their way way closer to draw fire while the bombers and frigates got ready to engage the big ships.

by **Ularn** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 9:03 am

Departure Lounge, Starbase Holland-3
Scott didn't feel the explosion. He first spotted a security guard tense and speak and listen to his comm a few seconds before the cool metallic voice of the PA announced, "Attention all passengers. We are sorry to announce that all traffic has been suspended for the time being. We apologise for the inconvenience and hope to continue services soon. Thank you."

Scott didn't have time to consider the implications of the announcement before his own comm beeped. Security had let them keep those. "This is Sierra-One-Lead," the voice was that of Ratho's, the Squad Leader, "<All units rendezvous at the fountain on level zero.>"

Scott was on level one. Looking over the balcony, he could already see Three grey uniforms by the fountain in the centre of the departure lounge, with two more making their way through the crowds. A large number of passengers were congregating together now, clustering around staff from the station demanding with growing indignation to know why their flights had been delayed. There was too much of a ruckus for Scott to hear what, if any explanation was being given. Hey keyed his comm, "Lead, this is Kerr. I've got Weden, Morgan and Harris with me. We copy and are on our way, over."

By the time they arrived at the fountain Ratho had got hold of a flight attendant and was politely commencing his interrogation. Most of the public had calmed down enough that they were returning unhappily to their seats, though several were clustered around the reshian marine and the guard, wondering if he might be able to wrangle more information than they had managed to.

"<Excuse me madam, Marine Squad Leader Ratho, Ularn Space Navy. My men and I need to know what is going on here?>"

The attendant shifted uncomfortably, "Um, we're experiencing some temporary technical difficulties," he said, "Hopefully ships should be moving in an hour or two."

"<What sort of 'technical difficulties'?>"

"I'm sorry sir, but I cannot divulge that information to someone without security clearance. If you return to your seat, we'll do our best to keep you appraised of the details. I'll also see if we can arrange some complimentary drinks for you and your, uh, men."

Ratho shot the attendant an irritated glance and then turned away from her. The rest of Sierra 1 had assembled now and were waiting for instructions. He waved them over to the edged of the concourse, away from eavesdropping civilians, and explained in a low tone, "<Well, it could just be a glitch in their traffic control system. Could be it's more serious than that though. I want everyone to stay in their fire teams for now. Keep an ear to the ground and if it does turn out to be serious then we'll meet up back at the security check-in.>"

"<Why there, Lead?>" this was from V'nel, the squad medic.

"<That was where they confiscated our gear. Secure storage can't be too far away. If need be, we should be ready to break it out.>" That surprised everyone. It meant Ratho was planning for a possible firefight and that set everybody's minds racing. "<That's it for now. Maintain comms and move out.>"

by **Mercatova** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 10:15 am

Boarding Lounge, Starbase Holland-3

Amongst the people here, standing nearly 8ft tall stood Rhavus, a member of the Rhino-like humanoids known as the Mercatovians*. Folding his arms, he remained standing, looking down from his position on the balcony. He was not pleased with this at all. He had left his home on the Herd Fleet, home of the Merctovians, for adventure! In the first week of him leaving, his shuttle had to be scuttled and he had to forced to hitchhike his way across the stars. Upon arriving here thanks to passing merchant ship he was stripped of his weapons and power armour, both of which are of signifcant value to his race, as much a part of him as his body itself. Now with this new development he knew he would be stuck here for some time. He closed his eyes, letting out an irritated grunt, tapping his hoofs against the floor. Thinking to himself, all he could do was wait...

by **Kesou** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:55 am

<Was that us?> The question came in a clicking, coarse language, marking the humans out as foreigners, if the dirt-caked leather overalls and flightsuits did not do the trick. They had felt the quake, being close to the area affected, but unlike everyone else, they had confirmed some manner of guilt by remaining calm in their seats, finishing their smokes and drinks. The man whom raised the question sat idle for but a few moments more before impatience overcomes him, and he offers the same question over a handheld communication device. <Iron Vulture. This is Valkyrie Six Uhh. Was that us? Over.>

The response came quickly, an angered man by the sounds of it. Their Flight Commander, the esteemed Fyrii del Canaar, a Kesourian with the rare inability of being poor with numbers. This had of course never stopped him, and instead of keeping close track of economy and bartering, he had a mind to steal and raid other people's credits, and then waste it all on supplies, instead of holding his own income with trade. Crude, but good for morale. <No. But I grow tired of waiting. The-..>

”Due to an unforeseen incident all outgoing and incoming transportation is suspended. Please stay where you are.”

The 'soldiers' of Squad 'Valkyrie' all looked at one another in knowing glances. Everyone quickly turned their communicators off, so as to lock out whatever indignant screams might follow from the Iron Vulture at such an announcement, and they that with their Flight Commander being Kesourian, he would somehow find a way to hold them accountable for this. One of the most important parts of soldiering for a Kesourian was knowing when to blame radio silence on sudden interference, or malfunction, after all.

<What we doing then, sir?> Asked a younger man, caked in grime from head to toe. Jonathan "Valkyrie Six" did not see what the purpose of assigning a young technician to his 'diplomacy unit' was, but one did not question a Kesourian to his face lest you wanted a chemical round to the face. And going behind their back was surprisingly easy, after all.

Jonathan knew what laid ahead. The surge of chaos around them as people flocked around information booths meant people were abandoning packing and souvenirs. And if whatever that was needed bigger overseeing from security, there would be sudden gaps to fill. <We're making a purchase round.> He retorted at last with a pleased grin, crushing the stub of his cigarette underfoot. <Put the toy gun down, Arelia, and go find out what happened.>

His sole female squad member, Arelia - or Valkyrie Three as the Flight Commander demanded she be known as - was a fairly pretty affair, in fact Jonathan was certain at least half of the male creww had been after her, and for whatever reason, rumours suggested that she was the reason crewmembers had been 'falling down' in the engine room during their long haul across space. Her sudden glare his way makes him flinch, not for her disposition but for how quickly she drags herself from a joyous smile. The toy gun is dropped, and the woman excuses herself to join the panicking crowds.

<Well then boys. Take anything that ain't nailed down, and pile it beyond the frond over there. If someone questions you, just talk back in the wrong language and drop it. We're not here to fight.>

by **The Empire Reborn** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 6:26 pm

"Fallen friends," the man at the head of the table said somberly, raising a cup. Everyone else raised their drinks as well, echoed his words and then drank up. From the looks of it, this was a gathering that might go on for some time. But the people involved knew that they wouldn't be here long. Their captain wouldn't allow it; and neither would they.

A week ago, these men and women, and a few aliens, had been on the front lines in the guerrilla war against the Empire, warriors in the ramshackle navy of the Alliance to Restore Democracy. Their ship, the frigate Rancor's Tooth, formerly the Freedom's Messenger, formerly the Burke, had served admirably in raids on Imperial shipping and shipyards across the Fringe...until a pair of Imperial Star Destroyers had come in right on top of their home base. The frigate had just entered the system when they got the warning message, followed by the much more obvious warning of laser fire hitting their shields.

At the head of the table, Captain Race Dall sighed. They'd fought their way to the base, taken on as many people as they could and then blasted out, making a blind jump under fire. And some lucky shot had smashed their jump-gauge and left them stranded here, on this backwater station, unable to make another FTL transit without fear of tearing the ship in half and sending the parts off in opposite directions.

As he reminisced, two more people joined them. One, a willowy girl of 20 but who looked not a day older than 17, sat down next to him. The other, an squid-like humanoid Aelan, took a seat farther down.

"Any luck?" He asked her as she ordered a drink.

She shook her head. "Grubber charged about five times what they're worth and about twice as much as we have. I offered credit," a smile indicated how much intention she had on paying that credit, "But he didn't budge. And kept checking me out, said he'd be willing to 'trade'!"

The Aelan laughed. "She would have just shot him and taken the parts, but I told her we'd prefer to not have to break anyone out of prison while we're leaving."

Dall nodded. "Good call. Well, maybe there's--" The faint rumble of what sounded an awful lot like an explosion interrupted his train of thought. Their drinks shook just a tiniest bit. Everyone looked to him. Could it be the Empire?

"Keep calm, people," he said. "It's probably nothing..."

"Attention all passengers. We are sorry to announce that all traffic has been suspended for the time being. We apologise for the inconvenience and hope to continue services soon. Thank you."

"That's not nothing," the girl said. Dall nodded in agreement. As people began to stream out of the bar to their ships or homes, Dall handed out some orders.

"Eyra, take Davi and Nik back to the store. I think a very lucky break just opened for us." The girl, Eyra, nodded and waved on the Aelan and another human male, and they took off running back the way she had come. The store wasn't too far from here, and if they were lucky the proprietor had fled when the explosion went off. If not...everyone was packing pistols, small slugthrowers that wouldn't do much against armor but would be just fine for intimidating a store owner.

"Gar, Col, you're with me. The rest of you, back to the ship." Dall and two men walked towards the nearest station official, but something caught his eye. A cluster of gray uniforms, huddled around near the fountain. They reminded Dall uncomfortably of Imperial soldiers, but he shook his head. They were far from the Empire now.

"Hey," he said, walking up to the group. "Name's Dall, Race Dall. You guys have any idea what's going on?" He indicated the station attendant with a tilt of his head. "Station officials are giving us a line of bull, and they know it. Can see it in their eyes."

by **New Babylonia** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:48 pm

Transport ship Deviant EN route to Starbase Holland-3

Ex- Marine Captain Michael Marotta and his bother, also Ex- Marine chief Sgt. James Marotta borded the transport ship deviant en-route to Holland-3. they had a few reasons for going. A. the domestic forces there,people who were basically the base militia and were un-aligned to a country needed to be trained and while their were trainers more help was needed. and who better than two Ex- Marines who earned the Medal Of Honor? they brought little with him, they were told the base was gigantic city floating in space. with them they brought basic necessities, their three uniforms, some snacks and spare clothes. that was they had. the second reason was this, life on earth was deteriorating fast. the economy was so inflated it cost $4.90 for a bag of chips, and not the family size either, they were the little ones you'd find in a vending machine. even worse the country was about to have another civil war. all this told them it was time to move on, and a brochure about the star base in a convient store caught their eye. now they were on their way. as they sat down a group of four thugs walked in front of them. Michael noticed as their leaders eye caught their civilian wear uniforms with the Medal Of Honor shining proudly off them. "well,well." said the leader. "looks like we got a couple of "heroes" on our hands don't we boys?". the brothers exchanged glances, they knew right where this was going, and decided to cut to the end. they both stood up and Michael with the re-flexes of a cat back-handed the leader of the group. the sheer force of the blow threw across the aisle while his goon friends attacked. 15 seconds later all 4 of them were being carried away on stretchers to the infirmary. they took their seats again and simultaneously sighed. "this was going to be a long journey" said Michael with a disdainful tone.

by **New Babylonia** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:06 pm

around three hours later the DEVIANT was in sight of the star base. the ship stopped, suddenly. the passengers looked around surprised. then the Ship commander spoke over the Intercom, "due to transportation regulations temporarily put on the base we are unable to make it at this time. we are sorry for your inconvience." said the commander. "are you fucking kidding me?" said James in what could only be described as the tone of a man about kill someone. Michael was reading a pamphlet about the ship, and ironically, he was reading about the escape capsules. he smiled. "follow me, and bring your stuff." said Michael. James looked at him questionably then complied. "let's run." he said. finnaly his curiosty peaked and James asked, "why, what the hell are you doing?". "you mean what the hell are WEdoing?" said Michael. "we're getting to that star base is what we're doing."said Michael. James simply shrugged his shoulders an went along with it. he just wanted to get off this accursed ship.

by **The Fedral Union** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:36 pm

”Operation center”

The sensor warning indicator began to blink and red silhouettes filled the three dimensional system map. ”I'm detecting ships, and there is a security breach in the lower levels.” The AI reported, Harris sighed he sunk back in to a chair thinking what a disaster this day was he didn't have time to think too much and quickly ordered. ”Send out a distress call to near by ships, have our marines and security attempt to contain the intruders.” The AI nodded. The defense fields, or what remind of them activated over the stations hull. Around the outpost weapon systems designed by defense contractors and private military security companies were drawn out of their weapons port's. The command center was sealed down with force fields at critical junctions and bulkheads sealing.

-Security checkpoint Beta-
Smoke billowed from the gaping hole left by the explosion, Charred blacked bodies were strewn to each side of chasm . This was an unsightly image to anyone who passed by. The sound of energy weapon fire echoed through the hall ways, as security officers on patrol withdrew, in the face of overwhelming odds. This was the image that flickered over checkpoints betas holo screens. Chief Security Officer Martin Miles was watching it along with the rest of his team. He was at the armory to the far side of a corridor near the entrance to the civilian corner of the station. He slung a pulse rifle over his shoulder from the weapons locker and secured his armor modules. He looked to the other members of the team through his opaque mask they all looked rather similar. ”We need to hold them off here, otherwise they'll swarm over the civies.” The men and women of the teams could hear the screams the reports and the gun fire through their HUD's , It was unnerving to them to hear their comrades calls for help. ” We need to move as fast as possible here we have to get to those trapped teams.” everyone nodded to one another and to Martin, who let out a long sigh. He turned away activating his armors personal force field with a slight crackle. The sound was repeated throughout the room, everyone took their weapons in hand most had rifles some had flack gun like weapons, they disengaged the safety locks. They were ready , or at least as ready as they could ever be for such a situation.

-Hall way section Beta

Martian lead them out of the check point they fanned out in the hallway two people taking point on either side at any one time. They started to move quickly down the corridor towards where there scanners pointed them to, and where the sound of gun fire could be heard. The enemy was dangerously close to the civilian sector of the station and they had to be stopped. Who ever they were. They knew they were getting closer to the “front” of the attack as they saw bodies to left and to the right strewn across and lifeless. The sounds of weapons fire became louder Martin's adrenalin and that of his squadrons began to race. The scanners detected incoming personnel. They rushed to either side of the hall way in door ways leading to rooms. From the front of the formation a security officer came running, he chucked a small explosive that flew through the air behind him, that was martian and his teams cue. As the Explosive detonated they opened fire against the oncoming hostiles, blue pulses ripped through the air ,projectiles zipped forth. Martian knelt to the ground he held his rifle firing a few short burst of energy fire.

A corpsman had rushed to the side of the officer that had threw the grenade, he was injured; blood gushing from a wound on his forehead and energy weapon burns across his torso. The medic was horrified he helped the limping survivor behind a couple of crates just some twenty meters down the corridor. He knelt down helping the officer rest upon the wall and took out his medkit that was on his waist. ”You'll be just fine man don't worry.” The officer coughed, his suits advanced medical intervention systems injecting him with specialized wound clotting agents and pain killers but the medic would simply add to that treatment by putting nano patches on the burns and on the wound.”Thanks doctor, I thought I was dead for sure.” The corpsman said. “That suit, that saved your life more than I just did.” the officer shook his head. As if to disagree, he helped him up and started walking towards a triage center slowly as his companion limped.

-civilian sector alpha section 3-
Maria Simmons the chief finical officer of the station and second in command made her way towards the trouble spot if only to delegate and calm down the people in the lobbies so they could be moved with safety to the other docking bays across the station. She stepped off of an elevator no one even took a glance at her as she walked in .The frustrated passengers mulled over their situation and some being more out spoken then others. The court yard was crowded by every conceivable species, Maria's eyes averted their gaze from person to person several security drones and officers present guarding the exit to the docking bay. It was sealed off by a force field and a bulkhead as well , letting everyone know that not a soul would enter there. She made her way to the front of the crowd . ”Excuse me everyone but there's been an incident. We have a hostile fleet on the way and our station is being boarded”There were gasps amongst the crowds, muttering and speaking in low tones. Maria continued to speak ”We need to clear this area, this is for your own safety as well as the safety of all security officials involved, we're sorry for the inconvenience but you need to move to the secondary docking ports on the other side of the station. All of you who have fire arms-... Please report to the check point you turned them in at they'll be returned to you.” She wanted to negate almost any protest at that point but many in the crowd began to whisper and talk amongst themselves, they thought the security situation was desperate many of the Terran’s began to move towards the check point booth to reclaim their arms, they were directed back to another corridor after having done so. Pairs of armored security officers holding rifles were present through out the area now, it looked as if the entire station was under marshal law. The other side of the station had large tankers docked, and other large freight craft perfect for mass evacuations

.
”Operation center”
”I'm getting a response from three ships, patrol group five the TAS Baltimore, the TAS Richmond and the TAS Johnston”. Reported the AI, the CEO simply nodded , he was hoping they'd get here in time. Those ships were bearing down on the station and his thoughts were centered on what to do. He drummed a finger on his chin sitting down on a chair.”They're four minutes out and should arrive here shortly” the AI added. Harris was more optimistic of the situation now but didn't want to call it just yet , they still had much to deal with. The map could denote the exact position of the three ships they were in blue while enemy contacts were in red. The tone in the command center was one of hectic movements and near panic an internal section map showed advances and retreats of all friendly personnel.

by **Durmatagno** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 4:50 pm

"Crap, the other team didn't take cover, while they are distracting this team, we'll sneak around and force a civilian evacuation, we may be at war but we don't kill innocents if we can help it, now move" commander Becket said through their mikes while one of the other fire teams engaged the enemy in Hall Way section Beta, before they moved, Becket threw another grenade around the corner. Moving away from the new battle back down the corridor, they planted on of their three Rodrium bombs they planned on using to use in emergencies to make themselves another route while a third team of the for on board was trying to sabotage the stations power.
5
4
3
2.........

_______________________________________________________________

"This is Charlie 4 reporting that the station it's self has defenses it's self, we may need to call in the fast response fleet on standby, it only has some cruisers and frigates but it should help take down the defenses so we can take the station over and not destroy it. The pilot of the small fighter reported as it made a pass at the station, hitting some of the shields with gauss fire. From it's long range cannons and a plasma bomb was launched at a unprotected minor gun.

by **Confederate Marines** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:08 pm

Cloud sighed as he dropped his weapon, exhausted from the long day of fighting off the attackers. From what he could tell the initial attack was over, but this was still uncertain, seeing as how Cloud didn't even know where he was. He picked up a commlink and quickly breathed into it in a whisper "This is PFC Cloud Corvis of mobile infantry... Any friendlies. Any friendlies respond! I am the only survivor left of my squad. Any Mobile Infantry friendlies respond!" Cloud sat down, his back against a wall, his left hand wrapped around his tiny commlink, waiting intently as his bright blue eyes darted to the end of the hallway, hearing footsteps in the hall. Quickly picking up his weapon he announced, "PFC Cloud Corvis! State your name and alliance or I will open fire!" He shouted while kneeling, his heart beat quickening.

(OOC, how was it? My first time)

by **Ularn** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:22 am

Durmatagno wrote:5
4
3
2.........

Departure Lounge, Starbase Holland-3
Scott did hear the second explosion. So did most of the departure lounge. There was hushed silence for a moment throughout the massive concourse. Then somewhere far away a baby started squealing and the spell was broken. People started screaming and panicking while those security staff not called off to elsewhere tried and failed to keep order. Scott turned to face the rest of his fireteam and saw Tarik, Ricky and Dale already sprinting for the security check in. Someone, a civilian, stepped in front of Tarik as though to block him. Maybe they thought the running alien in the strange uniform had something to do with the explosion. The dumb would-be hero was knocked aside by the big reshian without pause while the three humans charged after him.

A crush of people had already formed around the security desk, it being one of the only ways in to the departure lounge. Scott wondered if any of them knew where they were going. If they wanted off the station then the ship airlocks and nearest escape pods were behind them. That way was only check-in and the arrivals docking. No-one seemed to have realised that in the panic, only thinking that they needed to get out of the departure lounge without fully thinking through what happened beyond that. If the station didn't get it's evacuation plan in gear soon people would start being trampled.

They found The rest of the squad at the front of the crowd. Seven of them had formed a protective ring around Ratho and one of the guards, presumably the senior officer, to hold the crowd at bay while they engaged in heated argument.

"<...I'm not asking permission, Lieutenant,>" Ratho spat, "<My men are retrieving our equipment from secure storage whether you want to let us or not. Now stand aside and let us through!>"

by **New Babylonia** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 1:56 pm

THE DEVIANT

As Michael led James to one of the escape pods he stopped suddenly with an angry look on his face. the escape pod required a password to enter, and neither of them knew one. suddenly the ships security captain and 3 other guard came rushing down the hallway, batons extended. "hey, what the hell do you two think your'e doing!" shouted the enraged guardsmen. James quickly pulled out is old military sidearm and fired. the three guards fell dead only feet away. James began inspecting the bodies, while Michael cursed at his failure to crack the code. "i found it." said James. Michael looked back at him, "found what?" he said. "the key" he said grinning.

by **New Babylonia** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 3:50 pm

STAR BASE HOLLAND- 3 FINNALY

as the pod streaked towards the star base a sea of fire from defensive emplacements filled the space around them. it was a miracle they didn't get killed. when they crashed on the landing pad a sprang out of the pod, another one came streaking in. James was the one who spotted, "JESUS CHRIST! LOOK OUT!" he yelled as he tackled Michael to the ground. the pod smashed into the pad and four figures emerged. at first they thought it was those goons, but the faces were far to familiar. just as the unknown figures recognized them, they recognized the four as the other members of their squad back when they were marines.one of the stationed commanders noticed and walked over immediately. " and what the hell do you morons think your'e doing? your going to have to be killed now for un-lawfully landing on this base." he said pointing his rifle at the group. with the speed of a ninja Michael easily incapacitated the foolish "commander" and took his weapon. " thank you very much, we'll make sure we knock next time." he said as the group ran into the interior of the base.as they went, they passed a room with a large door. ARMORY read the door. "perfect." said Michael as shot the lock open and they went inside. there, they armed themselves. Michael ditched the rifle and picked up a weapon the more suited his fancy. a massive chain gun that weighed about 80 pounds and a quad-pack power cell that made up its ammunition. as they ran out with their weapons a squad of soldiers stationed at the base crossed their paths, not in uniform, they immediately perceived them as hostile. "how the hell they'd get here? who gives a damn, just kill them!" shouted the squad leader. realizing there was no choice Michael simply turned with a grin on his face pulled back the trigger. a sound like a massive machine echoed the hallways as the gun fired an armada of small laser projectiles immediately killing the entire guard squad. " i think we should get into our uniforms." said Ex. marine Cpl. Stolp. "great idea." said James and they continued late finding bathrooms where they changed into their uniforms. as they walked out a Col. with about 15 men running with him stopped and issue and gave an order, "you, get you and your squad to sector 3 immediately! is that understood?!?" he screamed angrily. replying quickly Marotta screamed back, loud enough to hear over all the rack ass, "yes sir!". and the Col. continued on. after he'd left Marrota turned around and asked "where the hell is sector 3?". everyone shrugged their shoulders. "great." he said.

by **Ularn** » Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:53 am

Departure Lounge, Starbase Holland-3
"Sir, I don't want to have to tell you again. No-one is getting into secure storage. Now please, return to your seat while we handle the situatio-"

The security lieutenant was cut short by an announcement from the intercom, "Attention all passengers: For your safety, we are conducting a civilian evacuation of Starbase Holland-3. Please follow the lighted floor arrows as calmly as possible to your nearest escape pod. Repeat: Attention all passengers..."

Ratho seized on the momentary distraction the massage had caused the guards. He nodded once in their direction and instantly six members of the squad rushed forward to seize them, each landing a single deft blow to the back of their heads. The guards crumpled as the crowd started to disperse wildly and loudly in the direction of the escape pods. Ratho tugged an ID badge from the lieutenant's unconscious form and swiped it through a door marked "Staff Only". Stopping only to collect the fallen guards' weapons, the marines of Sierra 1 hurried through into the narrow corridor, not noticing the cluster of individuals observing them from beneath armoured cloaks and gas masks.

Operations Centre, Starbase Holland-3
"Mr Harris, the evacuation is proceeding...poorly, and I have observed additional incidents of note on the Station's security cameras,"

Samuel eyed the station's AI avatar coolly, "What's going on, Holland?"

"Two escape pods launched from one of the passenger ships waiting to dock. I do not know why. It landed on Bay 16. Lieutenant Oakley attempted to apprehend the occupants but was shot and killed with his security team. The invaders have now acquired weapons and security uniforms and are making their way towards Sector 3."

Samuel shut his eyes. Oakley was known to be a moron; he'd been assigned to guarding the commercial shuttle bays specifically to stop him trying to assault the passengers at security check-in with overly invasive searches. His idiocy was probably what had just gotten him and his team killed. "Dispatch security teams to apprehend them. How easy are they to recognise?"

"Their disguise is poor, Mr Harris. The uniforms they looted have suffered weapons' damage. One of them has also acquired a C-60 heavy chain gun."

"Jesus..." Samuel breathed, "Tell those security teams to be damn careful!"

"Additionally, a group of twelve has overpowered another of our security teams and begun making their way to secure storage. They are wearing Ularn Space Navy uniforms and have acquired six pulse rifles and pistols from the subdued team."

"Send another team after them!"

"If I may advise, Mr Harris, I do not believe they are hostile. The security team was not killed and secure storage currently holds twelve suits of USN power armour and weapons awaiting transport to Perihelion Station in the Ularn Interstellar Federation. I believe the intention of these marines is to recover their equipment and defend themselves against the invaders. With your permission, I will contact them and see if they can be persuaded to support our own efforts.

Samuel sighed and held a hand to his sweaty brow. "Okay," he said after a while, "Give it a shot. Maybe we can send them after those maniacs with the chaingun!"

by **The Empire Reborn** » Sun Nov 06, 2011 5:02 pm

Race saw the men overpower the guards, and swipe the key. He nodded to his two compatriots, who slid the small pistols they smuggled onto the station into their palms, and then they moved right after them. The crew had checked some heavier weapons into the armory, and if this was an attack then they'd probably be needing them pretty soon.

"We grab the rifles," Race told his men, "And anything else we can. If you can't carry it, leave it or hide it. Who knows who else on this station is involved in this." The two crewers nodded.

Meanwhile, Eyra, Davi, and Nik had reached the store, and Eyra was pounding on the door loudly with the butt of her pistol. After a few moments, the door opened slowly. Through a small crack, the owner looked out.

"You? What do you want?"

Eyra raised a foot, slender but covered in a leather boot, and delivered a savage kick to the edge of the door. The owner went flying back, the door went flying open, and the three Rebels went flying in. Davi closed the door behind them while Nik made sure the place was empty. It was.

Eyra tackled the proprietor and jammed the gun against his head. "We're taking what we need. The computer, the codes, now." Her eyes were cold, and promised only bad things if he did anything but comply with her demands.

"Over there!" The man shouted. "6134! Don't hurt me, please!"

Eyra nodded and Nik went to the console, putting in the code to unlock it. Quickly, he registered the purchase of one (1) FTL jump-guage and had the order sent for it to be delivered by the station's automated delivery system to the Rancor Tooth. Taking a moment, he also dumped about a third of the funds on hand into accounts owned by the crew.

"OK, we're good." He said, smiling. Eyra nodded, and with a quick motion knocked the owner unconscious with a strike of her pistol's butt. Picking herself up, she turned to her comrades.

"Let's get out of here."

They ran out of the store, ignoring any questioning looks or queries, towards the docking bay where their ship was sitting.

by **Mercatova** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:31 am

(( I'd like to say sorry in advance. Only just returned from holiday so haven't had any time to post a proper post since my first one. ))

Rhavus grinned to himself as he the security guards go down. Overhearing that they were heading for secure storage, he decided to follow them, bursting into a slight jog until he was a couple of metres behind them. He waved his hands to them.

"You there! Wait!" Rhavus stopped, giving a respectful salute.

"I am Rhavus. Warrior of Clan Bloodhorn. Subjects of the Mercatovian Empire. I wish to join you. My equipment and weapons are in secure storage and I would much rather have some form of defence in this form of situation." He stood straight and upright, likely towering over the marines of Sierra 1, but he spoke in a polite, respectful manner. Before the marines could respond, he turned behind him, the noise of the stations security forces closing in.

"We had best make haste!"

by **Ularn** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:24 pm

Tarik, Scott, Dale and Ricky had been in the rear when the massive rhino-like being approached. With the rest of his fireteam he'd drawn lifted his weapon, one of the scavenged pistols, at the mercatovian, keeping it trained on the creature's Outlandishly-sized skull.

Ratho eyed Rhavus while the rest of the squad stopped and kept their weapons trained on either the stranger or the hallway before and behind them. "<You armed?>" he asked?

Rhavus shook his great head.

"<Kerr, give him your pistol.>"

Scott looked at his squad leader and did a double take, "What? Lead!"

"<He can't be a worse shot with it than you. Hand it over!>" Ratho looked back to Rhavus, "<Come on then. But don't get in our way.>"

With a feeling of resentment he didn't even bother to hide, Scott gave the rhino his gun and joined the middle of the squad as they carried on down the hallway. Someone sniggered; he couldn't tell who.

About fifty metres on the corridor forked to the left and a sign read Secure Storage: Authorised personnel only. Ratho was about to turn the corner when a voice interrupted, "Not that way."

Marines spun in all directions, looking for the source of the metallic but feminine voice. It was Dale who first spotted the speaker grill in the ceiling.

"Station security has engaged an enemy force around the next corridor. Without adequate weapons or armour, I could not guarantee you a reasonable chance of safety. To avoid combat, follow this corridor to the end, then take the stairs down one level. Secure Storage will be right ahead of you."

"<Who are you?>" Ratho demanded, "<How do you know we're heading for secure storage?>"

"I am Holland-3." The voice replied, "You are trespassing."

"<So why are you helping us?>"

"You are useful."

"<Useful how?>"

"There are currently several ongoing situations which station security is either unavailable or unqualified to deal with. If you help me deal with those situations, I can help you escape this station."

Somebody swore, "<Lead, let's just get the hell outta here!>"

Scott pressed an ear to the wall, "She's right; I can hear the shooting."

Ratho sighed angrily, "<Okay then; do as the AI says. Move Out!>"

by **Mercatova** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 2:04 pm

Rhavus shudder to himself, rubbing what would be his forehead while groaning in irritation.

"<I've always hated machines like this...my people have had "issues" with these A.I types before.>" With that statement, Rhavus gave an angry glance at a nearby security camera, raising his pistol and with one shot, destroying it.

Following closely behind the other marines until they eventually reached the Secure Storage. Using the ID badge from earlier, they entered the room, filled with various items, including their weapons, and Rhavus'.

Stacked in one of the corners was a large set of jet black power armour, very heavily battle scarred but still in a very useable state. On its left shoulder pad was a symbol white horn with several drops of red blood falling from it. Directly next to the armour were a series of weapons, most notable an ornate, but sturdy halberd with what looked to be a rifle of sorts intergrated onto the end. Rhavus nodded to the marines as they started to put on their combat equipment. Rhavus did the same, the armour hissing as built-in hydraulics helped seal the armour. Rhavus checked his rifle. loading it with a fresh magazine before approaching the marines.

"<Thank you friends. I wont be needing this now>" Rhavus throw the pistol back over to the marine he had got it from before returning his attention to Ratho.

"<What will our next course of action be?>"

by **Ularn** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 5:15 pm

Sierra 1's armour was stored in their sarcophagi against another wall of the room. Before suiting up, Ratho ordered two of the marines to take one of the rifles and set it up against a crate watching the door. A marine's heavy gauss rifle weighed almost twenty kilograms; more than some emplace weapons. Though not a problem for a marine in power armour, the weapon was hardly portable without it. Still, the troopers needed something covering them while they prepared.

Scott found the sarcophagus with his name stamped on it and hammered the door release. The thick steel cover swung open to reveal the equipment laid out neatly inside. As the squad's demolitions expert, Scott's armour was thicker than was standard for a marine. Extra layers of ablative shielding covered most parts, restricting his movement somewhat but increasing his survivability against the hazards of his trade. The helmet also featured a flip-down blast shield which he had painted to resemble a shark's open jaws.

Along with his squadmates, Scott set about stripping off his uniform down to the baselayers beneath. That done, he slipped into the armour's exoskeleton;. A black rubbery suit that closely hugged his body, the exoskeleton was covered in thick cable-like tubes that ran across its surface in a manner reminiscent of muscles, for that was what they were; the strength enhancing musculature of the armour. It was covered in a layer of impact-reactive fabric; an airtight material that, when struck with enough force, would momentarily turn rigid and as hard as iron. It wasn't the main protective layer of the armour but it was a good bit of extra protection nonetheless. Finally, Scott attached the thick sandy-grey plates of titanium-ceramic that made up the armour itself before sliding in the ammo drums for his rifle and connecting up the power feeds. Lastly he donned his helmet and let the tinted triangular visor snap shut.

The whole process took about three minutes. Within four the whole squad was prepared, including the two on door duty. Scott tossed away the pistol Rhavus had returned to him. Now he had his rifle, his pistol, and a brace of breacher charges wrapped around his left thigh. The marine was ready to rock!

Spotting the mercatovian (he wasn't hard to miss in his colossal obelisk of a suit) conversing with Ratho, Scott went to join them.

Now having time for a quick breather, Ratho was making the proper introductions. He saluted Rhavus, beating his left fist once against his breastplate, "<Sorry for being brisk with you earlier, sir; we were pressed for time. I am Squad-Leader Ratho of the 1st Erasmus Legion, Ularn Space Naval Marines. Sierra 1 is my squad.>"

Scott wondered if his squad leader's sudden courtesy had something to do with seeing the rhino in his armour. Scott himself had never seen a mercatovian before, their being such an uncommon race, yet for their numbers their marshal prowess was such that they had come up more than once in lectures at the naval academy. Until he saw Rhavus in his armour he hadn't made the connection between the massive grey skinned beast and the warriors he had studied in class. He wondered if the same might have been true for his squad leader. In any even, Scott had no objections to Ratho's next proposal.

"<Now we're going to find a ship and get off this station. You're welcome to join us - especially if you know how to pilot; would save us having to find one. We were heading for Perihelion Station in the Federation but right now I think we'll settle for any place that isn't here.>"

by **Mercatova** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:56 am

Rhavus saluted back at Ratho politely, listening to his proposal. He nodded in acknowledgement before speaking himself.

"<Yes, I have some training in how to pilot shuttles. Very well, I shal accompany your squad. It would be against my peoples way to abandon fellow warriors in a situation like this. Speaking of which..>" Rhavus placed his Gun-Glaive carefully against the nearby wall and open a panel on his armour just on lower part of his arm, before his hand, revealling a small but intricate digital interface, tapping a few buttons before closing the panel again.

"<I have sent out a distress call to my people, if any vessels are within range they are obliged to assist, such is the Way of Mercatova.>" The Way of Mercatova that Rhavus referred to was a strict code of conduct that all of his race were obligated to comply with. No member of his race could ignore a call for assistance, as such disregard for The Way would tarnish the honour of that person. And honour was as valuable as gold to the Mercatovians.

Rhavus lifted his Gun-Glaive and made his way out the door, each step he took causing the hydraulics of his armour to hiss quietly. For anyone who had not seen a member of his race in full battle armour before he would be an intimidating sight indeed, standing now at nearly 10ft. Stopping just outside of the door, he turned his head to Ratho.

"<I trust you know the way, friend. You direct me, I shall take point.>"

by **Ularn** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 3:55 am

Ratho was about to protest. Really, he would have been happier with one of his own people taking point. Amy was the squad marksman - though in the station's tight confines she had left her sniper rifle behind and opted for a regular rifle like everyone else - and a known quantity. Then he eyed Rhavus' glaive; even in his armour, the blade almost as big as Ratho's torso. Then there was the mountain himself. Even if the mercatovian wasn't as competent with his weapon as Ratho suspected him to be, an enemy would be hard pressed to get a shot around him to hit Sierra 1.

"<We'll head for the commercial hangars, then. Most likely all the civilian ships from the departures lounge will have left but maybe we can find some sort of small merchant transport still in dock.>"

"The Lavender, an FTL capable one-hundred metre private merchant vessel, is currently docked in Commercial Bay Four. Her captain and crew evacuated the station by escape pod."

On hearing the AI's voice again, someone swore and muttered. Dale looked at the security camera, "You're helping us steal a ship?"

"The ship is insured against theft," Holland replied, "and I have a duty to protect all personnel on this station to the best of my ability. The Lavender is your best hope of success, Marine Morgan."

Dale's visor wasn't down and Scott found the way his eyes widened quite comical, "How the hell do you know my name?"

"It is written on your armour."

Dale glanced down at the letters on his breastplate and shook his head with exasperation. Amy, whose visor was down but with the tint turned off, was grinning amusedly at him.

Ratho ended the exchange, "<Can you lead us to Bay four?>"

"Follow the lighted floor arrows."

The first green arrow pointed out the door they had entered the storage room by. Indicating for Rhavus to take point, Ratho formed up his squad and led them out of the room.

by **New Babylonia** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 6:00 am

As the squad ran down numerous hallways trying to find how to get to sector 3, a lone soldier, s Corporal, crossed their paths. he noticed Michael and saluted, then looked questionably at his weapon.

"your holding like that?" he asked.

Michael returned a questioned face and spoke "what do you mean?".

"well, you see that damned thing ways somewhere around 80 pounds. im sure you'd like it to be lighter wouldn't you?" he said.

" well obviously anyone would want it lighter, so how would i go about doing that.?" asked Michael.

"the first thing you could do is remove the extended barrel, its really not necessary." he said as he walked over and easily took of the barrel and tossed it down the hallway. "second, you see this huge Bulky part right here? that was placed for extra stability and accuracy, but weighing about 30 pounds it's not worth it." he said as he went through proper procedure perfectly removing the object, and attempted to toss it as he had the barrel, failing of course. "now it gets even better he said." Michael raised his eyebrows. he had no idea what this guy was doing. he reached for Michael's right arm, flicked up a small piece of the armor and pushed a small button their. immediately a pure electric sound activated and and several pieces of metal, looking somewhat like blades from propellers of old, flicked out. "now you see here, what this does is allows the gun to be attached to your arm. which we do by doing this." he said as he pushed a lever on the weapon that open a large compartment and slid it on to Michael's arm. then pushing another button on the armor, the two pieces connected and almost immediately the gun nearly put Michael on the ground.

"this isn't much better...." he said somewhat bitterly.

"well that's because you Haven't activated the Bionics in it. here let me do that for you." as he reached over again pulled back a small sliding door and pushed an assortment of small buttons that immediately caused numerous dark lines in the armor around his arm to light up. as he stood he up he was easily able to wave the gun around like a toy. "now, these bionics don't make you "super human" its not like you could flip a tank or anything, but it activates electronics within the suit that act like extra muscles making you significantly stronger. not superhuman strong, however." he said. as Michael was spinning around waving the still giant gun like a rag doll. finnaly he faced, well as he thought about it he didn't even know who this was.

"say, i never got your name." Michael asked.

"oh, of course. im Corporal Smith sir. so where are you guys going?" he asked. "it wouldn't happen to be sector three would it?" he said.

"well, yeah it is. i have no idea where the hell that is though." Replied Michael.

"ahh so you've never been here before? that's alright in know how to get there just follow me." said Cpl. Smith.

"finnaly." said James. "we found someone who knows where they're going and not leading in circles. took you long enough to find someone." said James with a smirk on his face, and the others laughed while Michael gave James a rather unfriendly look.

"well lets get going we don't have all day, this isn't your living room." said Smith.

"i wish it was." said James, "then i wouldn't be following my idiot brother.". to this, Michael turned around and smacked James upside the head. he sighed as they continued on towards sector three.

by **Mercatova** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 3:15 pm

Rathus looked down, seeing the green arrows upon the floor. Lowering his Gun-Glaive and pointing it forward, he slowly started marching down the hallways and passages of Holland 3, Sierra 1 covering his back.

Eventually, the group came into a large, circular hall, with panoramic windows looking on to what looked to be each of the bays of the Commercial section of the station, doors to the left and right leading to staircases which led to a long hallway connecting all the bays. Rathus stopped suddenly, kneeling down behind a set of benches, what good it did him, and gesturing Sierra 1 forward.

"<Friends, we have company...>" Pointing down into Bays Three and Four, groups of armed, hooded figures could be seen loitering around the vessels. Occasionaly, one would look into the open door of the vessel in Four, giving angry gestures to whoever was inside. Perhaps some opportunistic looters, they had not noticed Rathus and the others.

Rathus looked over Sierra 1 briefly before turning his gaze back down upon the looters. "<I doubt they are exactly going to let us have the ship. They don't appear to have noticed us...and your weapons look ideal. Perhaps we should open fire upon them from here? I will leave the decision to you, Master Ratho.>"

-----OOC Part-----

Just for Ularn's information, the gun Rathus has is, for want of a better term, an Uzi, slung underneath the blade of his glaive, obviously the calibre of the bullets scaled up for Mercatovians. An upside down version of the Lancer from Gears of War, if you will. It's good for short/medium ranged bursts, but bugger all good for long range combat. Just thought I'd let you know for your next post ^^

A Game of Starships IC [FT] (OPEN)

A Game of Starships IC [FT] (OPEN)

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