A Silent Claim (FT, TG for Entry)

[United Citizens Republics]

UCNS Stellar Horizon

Elena eyed Tipton for a few moments, then cracked something of a smirk.

"Nothing you need to worry about, apparently." She shrugged and took a seat at the table that was in the centre of the room. At the same time she motioned for Tipton to take the other seat, but before Tipton would actually be able to do so, Elena held up a finger, "Oh, by the way Commodore, in case you are thinking of doing anything stupid, allow me to let you in on three facts; firstly, I am armed, and will not hesitate to put you down", Elena flipped aside her coat briefly to show off a rather large handgun strapped to her hip, "Second, just beyond that door over there are five marines with assault rifles, who are watching everything going on in this room. One wrong move and you'll be full of enough holes to qualify as a colander"

Elena leaned back and snapped her fingers, summoning up a holographic document, "Third, if you try anything, you'll miss the rather lovely news I have to give you. It would appear that our governments have reached an.....accord"

A quick flick of her wrists sent the document over towards Tipton, who would be able to read it.

FOR IMMEDIATE DISPATCH TO 19th FLEET
FROM SUPREME ADMIRAL CORVO ALTUS
COLUMBIA STATION NAVAL COMMAND CENTRE

To All Ships Of The Nineteenth Fleet: In accordance with Corporate Ownership Agreement 56678-SDA, signed By His Excellency The Chancellor and ratified by The Federal Congress, control over System 1VV9LO-5 is hereby transferred to the Columbia Conglomerate. As per the Conglomerate's Corporate Governance Policy, all UCN vessels are to begin withdrawing from the system immediately. Exemption is granted to any vessel carrying DC personnel. These vessels will await the arrival of the Conglomerate Fifth Expeditionary Fleet, whereupon all DC personnel will be transferred into the custody of the Conglomerate, and all remaining UCN vessels will vacate the system.

As Tipton read, Elena watched for a reaction, waiting until her counterpart had finished before speaking again.

"So there you have it. You'll be remaining onboard until the Conglomerate fleet arrives, and then you're their problem" Elena seemed almost relieved about this, "Though I'm thinking it may not have been our governments that reach an accord...." She smiled to herself, clenching her fist and making the document vanish.

[Democratic Colonies]

Tipton cocked her head. Was this some kind of deception, something to get her guard down? She didn't know, but ultimately, it didn't matter either way. Players were in motion, pieces were being moved - whether she understood the game or not, it was going to be played.

"The Columbia Conglomerate is a major supplier to the Democratic Colonies Navy," said Tipton as she took her seat and considered Elena's words. "They built the entire first batch of our Javelin Class Heavy Cruisers, and provide spare parts for much of the ship class in general."

Tipton shook her head in confusion. "Did they... would this have anything to do with that quote about regret? Nothing can bring back the people I've lost, but..."

Tipton's shoulders slumped for a moment, a sign of the sadness and fatigue that she'd been combating with anger and hatred. Her fury could only take her so far - she had been beaten and battered and had too many dead on her shoulders.

"My dead stay dead, and that's mine to live with, but if we can avoid any more deaths then... that's not too bad, is it?"

[United Citizens Republics]

UCNS Stellar Horizon

Elena shrugged, pouring herself a glass of water from a pitcher that sat in the centre of the table, "I am fully aware of what deals the Conglomerate has struck with your country, Commodore. I can only imagine that they plan on extorting a few more out of you as.....repayment for their intervention"

She sipped the water, letting out a satisfied noise as she swallowed, before turning her focus back on Tipton.

"But of course. I am pleased that there has been a resolution to this conflict. Avoiding bloodshed is always prefferable, and I would hate to see any further losses on either side" She nodded in a sort of respectful way towards Tipton before continuing, "And as for the quote....well, as I said before, the Conglomerate never does anything for free. As to just how much your government is going to have to give up in return, well, that remains to be seen"

[Democratic Colonies]

Tipton shook her head. "Extortion is, I think, the wrong term. While I have no idea what sort of deal was worked out, I'm sure that the interests of all parties were considered and protected."

She raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "All of the dealings between the Democratic Colonies and the Columbia Conglomerate have been done in good faith, for the informed benefit of all. With the language you're using - are you saying there's reason to think this won't last? That it's come to an end?"

Tipton's eyebrow rose even higher as more questions came to mind. "What would be your opinion of the Columbia Conglomerate, Admiral?"

[United Citizens Republics]

UCNS Stellar Horizon

Elena couldn't help but laugh as she heard the Commodore's words, "You are beyond naive if you think the Conglomerate does anything for the benefit of anyone but themselves. They will keep dealing with your nation, but only because they want something. But, as long as your government and your nation remain profitable to deal with, all will be well. As soon as you aren't....well," She stood, lowering her voice slightly, "You probably needn't worry yourself with that"

She turned again, this time tapping on a nearby hologram. One of the walls of the room suddenly became a "window", displaying a crystal clear view of the vessels of the 19th Fleet. Elena stared silently for a moment or two before turning back to Tipton, her voice now suddenly dark in tone,

"You want my opinion, Commodore? Fine." Elena motioned back behind her, towards the vessels of the UCR fleet, "Each and every ship out there was built by the Conglomerate. Each and every weapon they carry was built by the Conglomerate. Every person aboard every single ship interacts with nothing but Conglomerate tech."

Now Elena drew her handgun, turning it sideways to display the CC logo forged right into the metal, "Our army, our navy, or entire society is built upon that which the Conglomerate has forged. We are a nation conquered, Commodore. I enlisted in the Navy to fight for my country. Now, I spend my time defending corporate interests, or surveying worlds that will be terraformed by the Conglomerate, or hunting pirates that have been preying on Conglomerate ships"

A sigh. Elena put her weapon back in its holster, sitting back down in the chair, "The Conglomerate owns us. So if you want my opinion, it is this; the Conglomerate is a cancer on our nation. And I would gladly cut it out if not for that fact that our very government defends the Conglomerate's actions."

[Democratic Colonies]

Tipton bristled at Elena's laughter. It was bad enough being a captive aboard this UCN warship, but being a captive audience to Elena's pontifications was yet another layer of unpleasantness.

"I can assure you, my nation is well aware of what the goals of a private, for-profit corporate conglomerate are," said Tipton impatiently. "We have provided them with ample payment for their products and services, but those products and services have been provided to us fairly and without subterfuge. We are both benefiting, and we both retain our agency - our relationship is open and transparent, and we can walk away from one another at any time.

Tipton gave Elena a contemptful look, shaking her head. "Your nation may have allowed it's governing bodies to be perverted, it's government agencies to serve corporate interests instead of the interests of the people, but that is not what will happen to mine."

Tipton leaned back in her seat, confident, and maintaining eye contact with her captor. "My nation will not be a hollowed out husk for corporate interests. That will never be our fate."

[United Citizens Republics]

UCNS Stellar Horizon

Elena merely smiled, "I admire your optimism, Commodore. And perhaps time will prove you to be right. For the sake of your people, I truly hope it does"

She seemd poised to speak further, when her PHS suddenly lit up. Elena tapped it, causing a matching holographic earpiece to form around her right ear; she listened, replying to whoever was on the other end with a curt "Understood" before putting the PHS back to sleep mode. When Elena spoke again, her entire demeanor had changed back to that of a rigid military officer,

"Well, it looks like your corporate saviours will be arriving in just a little under an hour," Elena now stood again, "The Conglomerate's 17th Expeditionary Fleet. When they arrive, I am to have you transferred to the flagship. Any other DC personnel in our custody will be transferred to whatever ship the Conglomerate wants. And after that, it's done."

She moved as if to call in the guards to take Tipton away, but then paused, "Do you have any questions about the transfer process, Commodore? Otherwise, my men will escort you back to your room to await the Conglomerate's arrival"

[Democratic Colonies]

Tipton paused, considering for a moment, before speaking. "I'm more of a witness than a Commodore at this point - I have no choice but to trust that my people and I will be transferred in a safe and dignified manner. I was told of DCNS Union's destruction with all hands due to runaway anti-matter reaction, but I would like a more detailed breakdown of what's happened to my sailors. In accordance with DC Naval protocol, they should have willingly provided names, ranks, and identification numbers... judging by the way you run things, I'm sure you have a database of POWs by now. I would be appreciative if you could provide me with a copy for my review before our transfer."

The Commodore's eyes went downwards, and she let out a sigh. "I have no capability to command, but these people are still my responsibility. I need to know who, and how many, have survived."

[United Citizens Republics]

UCNS Stellar Horizon

Elena nodded, reaching into her pocket and pulling a black cylinder, around five inches long and an inch in diameter, from within. She tapped a button on it, causing a holographic screen to project out from the side.

"I assumed you would want such a thing, so I had one prepared," Elena handed the cylinder to Tipton, "The first list contains the names and IDs of everyone we recovered alive, along with which of our vessels they were taken aboard. The second list contains the details of any bodies we recovered. Names and ID numbers if we could find them, pictures and genetic profiles if we couldn't."

Elena took her seat again, "The bodies of the deceased will be transfered to the Conglomerate Fleet along with you and the rest of your crew. Proper identification can be carried out by your government when you are brought back to your nation"

[Democratic Colonies]

Tipton seemed appreciative and relieved to have her request granted, and accepted the cylinder with both hands.

"Thank you," said Tipton, clutching the cylinder tightly. "I'll review this... but I have one final question. Fragments of the AI core aboard my ship, Challenger, were recovered by your forces. Will they also be transferred to the Conglomerate's 17th Expeditionary Fleet, or do you have other plans?"

[United Citizens Republics]

UCNS Stellar Horizon

At the mention of the AI Core, Elena nodded, once again pulling up her PHS, "Well, as the UCR and the DC are no longer in a state of conflict, and seeing as how the corporate agreement ordered me to turn over anything and anyone taken during the engagement....."

She made a few taps on the PHS, then spent thirty or so seconds typing out a message, "There. I've ordered any fragments of the AI core we recovered to be transferred to the Conglomerate."

Elena shut off her PHS, "Now then, as lovely as this little chat has been, I must return to the bridge and oversee preparations for the Conglomerate's arrival"

As if they had been listening for just that cue, the two Marines re-entered the room as Elena stood, motioning for Tipton to do the same, "I suspect the Conglomerate fleet will be here within the hour. You have my best wishes, Commodore. This entire episode has been most unfortunate, and I am glad that there has been a resolution."

Elena saluted Tipton, at which point the guards not-so-subtly corralled Tipton out of the room and back to her cell. The guards shut the door, and once again, she was alone.

***55 Minutes Later***

A sharp knock came on Tipton's cell door, followed by the entry of two marines.

"The Conglomerate fleet has arrived. You are being immediately transferred to their flagship." One of them explained in the odd, semi-digitised voice provided by the armor's helmets. As soon as Tipton was on her feet, they were escorting her down the hallway to a new elevator. The entire process was swift, and it was clear that Elena, or perhaps those above her, were trying to get this transfer over and done with ASAP.

Once in the elevator, the two guards stood to either side of Tipton as they were whisked to the ship's mid-deck, where the various airlocks and docking extenders were located. Upon exiting the elevator, Tipton was greeted by two more guards, who took over her care and escorted her swiftly towards a large airlock door, just a slight bit down the corridor.

They stopped just aside from the door, giving Tipton a chance to look out of the large viewscreen that took up the wall next to the airlock door. However, nearly the entire view was taken up by the enormous bulk of the Conglomerate fleet's flagship.

The corporate vessel was simply gargantuan, many times larger than even the Stellar Horizon, coming in at around 4,000 meters in length. It was painted in dark matte black, but with two dark matte gold stripes running lengthwise along the ship. Additionally, the Columbia Conglomerate logo was emblazoned on the "wings" the extended outwards from the bottom of the vessel, as well as on the very bow.

Tipton would also be able to make out the vessel's name, proudly painted in matte white along the middle of the vessel, and brilliantly illuminated by several spotlights built-in to the ship itself: the CNSV Redoubtable.

A sudden nudge from one of the soldiers motioned for Tipton to proceed to the airlock door, where a light above it turned green. The door slowly hissed open, and Tipton was greeted by two soldiers in armor far more ornate than the UCN Marine's; completely matte black and grey, with gold trim around all of the plates, and a dark gold shoulder-cloak across their left shoulders. Additionally, there was a young womanwith them. Like others from the UCR, her body and facial structure were absolutely perfect and flawless. Her eyes were a dark blue, brief glimpses of her teeth showed them to be stunningly white, and even the way she walked had a refined and perfectionist quality about it.

She at first ignored Tipton, instead addressing the two Marines, "You two may leave." Her tone was highly dismissive, and Tipton would feel the Marines seemingly bristle a bit before abruptly turning and departing. Now, the women turned her attention to Tipton.

"Commodore Tipton, I presume? My name is Arria. I'm head of security aboard the Redoubtable. If you'll please hold still for a minute," Arria touched her wrist, summoning up her PHS. A holographic scanner swept across Tipton's body, and Arria nodded, "Good. If you'll follow me please"

Arria and her soldiers turned on a dime, and a simple tap on a nearby holodisplay opened the airlock door, revealing a docking tunnel to a shuttle. Arria led Tipton into the shuttle, which was clearly intended for those of high value; the floor was actual rosewood, with similar paneling continuing up the walls to the ceiling, and everything else a mixture of glass and polished steel. The seats were luxuriously upholstered in leather, and there was a very well-stocked bar against the left side of the cabin. Once everyone had taken their seats, the shuttle door closed, and with a loud "clunk", it set off.

Sitting directly across from Tipton was Arria, who took another moment to study the commodore before speaking, "So, Commodore. Do you have any questions before we arrive on the Redoubtable? About this entire transfer process or otherwise."

[Democratic Colonies]

Being a prisoner didn't suit the Commodore, but she held her tongue and counted her blessings. She had survived the encounter with the UCR, unlike many of the men and women under her command, and now it seemed that her time in captivity was finally coming to an end.

Tipton was impressed by the CNSV Redoubtable. While she knew nothing of its capabilities or schematics, the size and construction of the flagship made it clear that it was a massively powerful vessel.

Tipton's attention soon shifted, however, from a product of spaceborne engineering to a product of genetic engineering. As with the other citizens of the UCR, Tipton found Arria's perfect facial features to be striking and a little unnerving at times. As Arria spoke, Tipton couldn't help but feel like she was watching a scene from a space-opera with an unreasonably attractive starlet. She was careful however to listen closely to the security head's words, making sure she didn't miss anything.

"I would first like to thank you for receiving me," said Tipton graciously. "It is most appreciated. I would like to be informed about the transfer of the personnel under my command, as well as the remnants of the AI core from my flagship. Additionally, do you have any word from any kind of DC Navy force on it's way to this system? Is your plan to have us aboard until they arrive?"



DCNS Fairweather
Balmora Class Command Cruiser

The Flag Command Centre was much quieter than Daisy Bedford was used to. Daisy was an embedded journalist, one of the few lucky enough to snag a spot before the task force had set off, and she'd observed hours and hours of tense planning and discussion in the command centre. 20 minutes ago though, as soon as news arrived that a peaceful arrangement had been reached, the intensity in the room began to fade away. There was still an air of determination, but more than that, there was an immense sense of relief and optimism among the sailors Daisy was able to see.

"Daisy Bedford, Camelot Interstellar Journal," said Daisy as she shook hands with a tall, attractive man she recognized as a naval liaison officer.

"Of course Ms. Bedford, we've been expecting you," said the liaison officer with a smile. "I'm Ensign Woodell. While I'm afraid Admiral Coburn isn't available this afternoon, I can take you around the Command Centre and show you the navigation data you requested."

Daisy frowned - she had been hoping to speak with the Admiral who led the task force, but as an embedded journalist, she was at the Navy's mercy when it came to such matters.

"Hopefully we can reschedule my interview with the Admiral, but for now, let's see about navigation first," said Daisy. "We knew it would be a while, but audiences back home are asking, why is our travel time so long? We weren't we in the fight?"

Ensign Woodell's smile wavered slightly, but he took Daisy across the cavernous command centre to a trio of navigational experts. Woodell tapped one of the navigators on the shoulder, taking him away from his displays and charts so he could answer Daisy's questions.

"Our travel time is hard to predict, as it's based on local space conditions," explained the navigator as Daisy held up an audio recorder. "The computers have to do the calculations for how to do the FTL jump, and how complex those calculations are depends on a multitude of factors in real space, factors in sub-space, factors we understand, and factors we don't understand."

"Is that why it has taken so long for our relief mission for Commodore Tipton, Task Force Sovereign, to reach our destination?" asked Daisy.

"That, and it's a simple matter of distance," came the reply. "We are going far out of established DC space, and the local space conditions haven't made our calculations easy."

"How long until we arrive in the disputed system?" asked Daisy, moving her recorder in expectantly.

"It will depend on how the calculations between here and there go," the navigator said, prompting Daisy to frown.

"Please, using the best of your expertise and the knowledge at hand?" she pleaded.

"I would estimate our arrival in... 12 to 18 hours, most likely," the navigator said with a furrowed brow.

Daisy asked the navigator and a variety of officers other questions, but the key point she took away was the sense of relief among them all. They would arrive in 12 to 18 hours, by the navigator's estimate, on a mission of peace rather than a mission of war. Whatever happened then, Daisy was sure she'd get the story.

[United Citizens Republics]

Shuttle En-Route to Redoubtable

Arria nodded, tapping on her PHS and summoning up the holographic display,

"All of your people are being transferred to the CNSV Infractum, one of our Gage-Class cargo vessels. The crew there has done their best to set up accommodations for you people."

She swiped over to a new screen, "As for the AI remnants, I don't......." Arria frowned, then scrolled up across the hologram, "Ah, here. It was a late entry to the transfer request. The remnants of your AI core are being transferred to the CNSV Novum Horizon, our fleet's primary research vessel. It's the only vessel that has the appropriate facilities to safely house something as sophisticated as an AI core."

There was a gentle beep, and the voice of the shuttle captain interrupted, "Preparing to dock with. Airlock synchronisation readied"

Nodding at the announcement, Arria stood, "I'm afraid I can't speak as to contact with your navy. Fleet Overseer Kerchner will know more. No doubt he'll be able to fill you in with regards to that matter"

The shuttle slowly came to a halt underneath the bow of the enormous Conglomerate fleet. There was silence as a brilliant light suddenly bathed the shuttle, and it was caught in a graviton beam that pulled it up into a large airlock. The hull doors slid closed, and then a computerised voice came over the intercom,

“Engaging security scan. All occupants, hold still”

With that, a red scanner began running over the craft, bathing the interior in an eerie red glow. The scan only lasted a few seconds before the light turned green and the voice came back,

“Security scan complete. All passenger IDs confirmed. Opening airlock”

There was a loud clunking noise as two mechanical arms attacked to either end of the shuttle, and then a loud whirring as the doors above the shuttle slid open, letting bright white light burst into the airlock.

The shuttle jerked slightly as the arms began to lift it, taking a few seconds before it was hoisted into the hangar bay. The windows of the shuttle blacked out as they rose into the bay, and so Tipton would only know they had stopped when the shuttle gently jerked to a halt.

Arria stood up, motioning for Tipton to do the same, “Fleet Overseer Kerchner will be meeting us here”

The shuttle door eased open, and as Tipton followed Arria outside, she would witness the full breadth of the Redoubtable’s size. The hangar bay was gargantuan, stretching for what seemed like a mile towards the stern, while the ceiling was a good thousand or so feet above Tipton’s head. The lowest level, where the shuttle had arrived, was composed of two parts; at the bow end, where Tipton was, there were at least thirty other shuttles resting on deployment platforms, and for the rest of the space there were 200 dropships, 100 per side, mounted on deployment catapults and facing exterior airlocks. The remaining space was occupied by Universal Drop Pods.

The upper levels of the hangar were hard to make out, but the barrels of tanks and the rears of APCs would be seen, along with what looked like thousands of meter-wide cylinders poking out of the walls. Add to all that the hundreds if not thousands of people going about their jobs, and the hangar was a packed and chaotic place.

Arria suddenly snapped to attention, facing a door on the nearest wall. It had opened, and three people had strode out; two security guards, clad in the same armour and cloak as the two that had accompanied Arria, and Fleet Overseer Kerchner.

He was tall, around 6 foot 2, with flawless olive skin, a svelte yet built figure, and nearly electric blue eyes. He wore straight black pants with gold trim, a tight fitting jacket with a row of golden buttons going from the bottom left to upper right and four golden dots on the breast, and a thin brimmed hat with the same four gold dots. As his party approached Tipton and Arria, the Fleet Overseer executed an almost robotic salute before flashing a flawless smile at Tipton.

“Commodore, welcome aboard my flagship. I am Fleet Overseer Carlos Kerchner. Allow me to apologise, on behalf of all of us at the Columbia Conglomerate, for the hardships which you and your crew have had to endure.”

[Democratic Colonies]

Tipton was relieved to hear that her people were one step closer to being out of this mess, this awful mess that she’d gotten them into. While she wouldn’t fully relax until her people were safely aboard DC vessels again, vessels flying the eagle and stars of their flag, this was certainly a big step in that direction.

Tipton was also relieved to hear that another promise had been kept – the AI core remnants were important to the security of the Democratic Colonies, so the Commodore listened closely to Arria's words on the fate of the partially destroyed AI.

Mixed with her sense of relief however was an undercurrent of anxiety and unease, driven by the warning that had been given to her. The ships of the Columbia Conglomerate were impressive in their technology, size, and number. Their personnel were equally impressive, as were their atmospheric landing ability. They were ready to fight a war! What the CC had here rivalled what any advanced space-faring nation had… but it did not serve a nation. As it had been painstakingly explained to Tipton, the nation served the Conglomerate.

The lunacy, the perversity of the situation was forced out of Tipton's mind as Fleet Overseer Kerchner approached. Tipton returned the Overseer's salute, delivering a sharp and snappy gesture right out of the DC officer's manual. The fact that she was saluting a corporate official rather than a nation's commissioned officer entered her mind, but she quickly forced it from her thoughts. She told herself that this was not the time for such thoughts, and concentrated on her duties.

“Fleet Overseer, thank you for your welcome,” she said. “I appreciate very much the role that you and the Columbia Conglomerate have in ensuring a peaceful resolution to this incident, including the return of DC personnel and technology to the Democratic Colonies. I hope that this arrangement is… beneficial to all.”

[United Citizens Republics]

CNSV Redoubtable

Kerchner nodded pleasantly, a soft smile on his face, “I am certain it will be. The Board gave this operation a very thorough review before authorising it, so I’m sure that they took into account the desires of….every involved party”

He motioned to Arria, who turned to Tipton, “It has been a pleasure meeting you, Commodore. Perhaps we shall see each other again”. With that, the security chief saluted both Tipton and Kerchner, then headed off into the hangar.

When she had gone, Kerchner focused his attention back to Tipton, “Now then. I’m sure you are more than exhausted from all you have been through. Allow me to show you to your cabin.”

The door nearby had slid open again, and Kerchner accompanied Tipton, along with the guards, inside. The doors slid closed, and the elevator began to rise. Every five feet or so there was an opening on the other side of the wall that allowed the occupants to see into one of the Redoubtable’s side hangars. As the elevator ascended, Tipton could bear witness to a hangar packed to the rafters with enormous metal crates, most of them bearing labels revealing their contents as armaments. Missiles, bombs, small arms, railgun projectiles; thousands upon thousands of these boxes were present, shuffled around the hangar via large robotic cranes.

But then the elevator passed into the actual shaft, and the view disappeared, replaced by dark metal walls. The elevator began to slow, then finally came to a gentle halt. A computerised voice announced “Executive Quarters”, and then the doors opened, revealing what could very well have been the lobby of a fancy hotel.

The room was large and round, with six doors placed equidistantly around the outer wall. That wall was panelled in white quartz, which glittered with various coloured flakes throughout. The white quartz continued onto the floor, where it was joined with brushed aluminum strips that made out simple geometric patterns. The centre of the room was occupied by a large holographic display, showing a model of the Redoubtable, itself surrounded by various news and information feeds. Situated around this display were plush black leather couches, backed by glass and steels walls, though the glass also had computer data and displays built in.

The ceiling at first glance seemed open to space, though it was in fact only a holographic display. Glowing panels placed where the roof met the walls provided most of the light to the room, along with more brushed aluminum-trimmed sconces on the walls.

There were a number of people, officers of the vessel mostly, milling about. Some watched news feeds, some were reading, others were chatting idly. All of this stopped as soon as Kerchner arrived, however. In an instant, everyone was on their feet saluting, though Kerchner quickly dismissed that, and the officers returned to their activities.

“So, Commodore, would you like something to eat? Or would you prefer to head straight to your cabin. Your nation’s fleet isn’t expected for some time, so I understand if you’d like to take some time to relax or freshen up.”

[Democratic Colonies]

The scale of Redoubtable was immense, but familiar in the way that all military ships were. Munitions, logistics, the guts of a fighting ship - while they differed from vessel to vessel and nation to nation, they were always alike in spirit... or, at least, the human ones were.

When Tipton and Kerchner arrived in the Executive Quarters however, the Commodore felt as though she'd stepped aboard a luxury liner. Stellar Horizon had been elegant and well appointed, but Redoubtable was a step beyond, almost decadent with its luxuries. The DC Navy cruisers that Tipton was most familiar with were minimalist, spartan in comparison.

"Fleet Overseer, I appreciate your offer of a meal very much," said Tipton. "While I certainly enjoy an engaging conversation over a meal, I'm afraid the last time I dined we were interrupted before any courses could arrive."

Tipton paused, thinking for a split second, before deciding to expand on what seemed like the safest possible topic of conversation. "I'd enjoy very much hearing more about your vessel, and how you came to be in this system to help bring this conflict to a close," she said. "You have a ship that is impressive in scope, and outstanding in her beauty."

[United Citizens Republics]

CNSV Redoubtable

At Tipton's comment, Kerchner frowned, "Well, that simply won't do to have you starving whilst in my care. Come, we'll head to the dining room and get you some food and drink"

He started walking towards a door on the far side of the chamber, a holographic sign above which helpfully labelled it as "Executive Dining Room & Kitchen". As they walked, Kerchner listened to Tipton's question, nodding as he did, and an amused look crossed his face as Tipton complemented the Redoubtable.

"Yes, she is a mighty fine vessel," he said somewhat wistfully, "One of the newer ones in the fleet too. Built ten years ago as the Galloway, a logistics supply ship to help support CNS, actually. But the Defense Oversight Council decided that she would function better as the flagship of an expeditionary fleet"

At that point, the pair had reached the door, and a simply swipe of Kerchner's PHS across a scanner to the left of the door opened it up. Beyond was a large dining room that wouldn't have looked out of place in a luxury hotel; there were around fifty round glass tables set in orderly lines, each glass table top perched upon art-deco brushed titanium legs, and with four equally sleek and modern chairs around them. The floor and ceiling were both done in a similar marble and brushed metal style to the lobby. The far wall and right wall both seemingly were absent, showing the vastness of space beyond, a clever illusion thanks to a vast array of holoprojectors, while the left wall was a restaurant-style kitchen.

The room was mostly empty, save for a few officers casually chatting and dining on various dishes. They briefly saluted Kerchner, then returned to their meals. Kerchner led Tipton to the nearest table, which lit up with holograms as they at down. Motioning to these, Kerchner continued, "Please, tell the kitchen anything you'd like to eat. They can cook just about everything"

That done, Kerchner returned to Tipton's question, "Anyways. After the DOC decided to reassign the Galloway, she was retrofitted to function as the flagship of this expeditionary fleet, which meant being away from port for years on end. Hence," Kerchner motioned to the sleek and elegant dining room, "all of this. Helps ease the fact that we sometimes don't go planet-side for years."

A young officer then arrived, cups of water in hand, placing them delicately on the table before heading back to the kitchen.

Kerchner sipped his before continuing, "I was placed in command, had her renamed the Redoubtable, and voila! Here we are"

Now the food arrived; Kerchner had ordered a steak, perfectly cooked, with mushroom and red wine glaze. Tipton's chosen dish also arrived at the same time.

"As for how we came to be here, well, that's a rather short story. The DOC ordered me to head to this system to facilitate a peace agreement between your nation and the UCR. So I did as ordered," A somber looked now fell upon his face, "I hadn't be informed of the.....casualties, however. I was only told that there had been some fighting. I was expecting there to be wounded but.....alas, I did what I could. Your people are in good hands aboard my other vessels, I assure you"

[Democratic Colonies]

The facilities and adornments of Redoubtable continued to impress Tipton. It was all so luxurious, as well as technologically advanced - while the DC Navy also made use of holographic technology, it didn't do so with holograms of such high quality, and certainly not for such aesthetic reasons.

A rib eye steak, cooked rare, arrived quickly for the Commodore. She was impressed with the speed at which it was prepared, as well as the perfect pink colouration of the tender beef. Tipton began to cut into the steak, but paused, putting her knife down as the topic of causalities arose.

"I appreciate your efforts," said Tipton, shaking her head. "Ultimately, the loss of life falls on to my shoulders. I was in command, I made the decisions, and my men and women followed as was their duty. I expect that the DC Navy will have many questions for me when they finally arrive to relieve my shattered Patrol Group, although given the events that have unfolded, I'm sure they'll be pleased to see that we have survivors at all. That computer virus... That wasn't a CC product, was it?"

Tipton picked up her knife again, cutting at her steak. "It worked quite well, although it seemed like the AI suite aboard our cruisers was able to detect and contain the virus."

Tipton paused, taking a bite of her steak, raising an eyebrow. She shewed and swallowed with a look of satisfaction on her face. "It feels strange to be sitting here with you, enjoying this fine steak while so many under my command are atomized particles in the void... I can see how these kinds of amenities can make a multi-year mission more bearable. I imagine it's quite good for morale, which is always important out there on the frontier."

[United Citizens Republics]

CNSV Redoubtable

Kerchner sighed, putting down his own fork and knife on the glass table. He looked at Tipton, "The virus wasn't.....well, technically wasn't, a CC product. We found out long ago that pre-making viruses and deploying the same cyber-warfare techniques over and over again eventually led to our enemies developing highly effective countermeasures. So a thousand or so years ago, the Conglomerate developed a cyber-warfare system capable of generating viruses on the fly."

He paused, taking a sip from a glass of red wine that the ensign had brought to the table, "Basically every UCN vessel these days has one of these system, and they are infinitely improved from the first prototypes. So while the particular virus wasn't a CC product, the system that produced it was"

As Tipton changed the subject to the nature of the Redoubtable, Kerchner could only nod, "Yes, well, you are incredibly right on that count. Though we even go beyond the frontier provinces. Our missions can take us to the very edges of the galaxy, even into dark space, on occasion. So having the ship feel like a home away from home is critical to making sure we all stay sane."

[Democratic Colonies]

CNSV Redoubtable

Tipton regretted asking the question about the virus - it clearly had her host uncomfortable, and it served no purpose. Her goals, she thought as she cut into her steak again, were simply to wait until a DC force arrived. Loftier goals had been dismissed some time ago.

"The space between galaxies?" the Commodore asked. "You have business that takes you out that far from civilized space? The wide scope and ability of your conglomerate continue to impress me."

**********

DCNS Fairweather
Balmora Class Command Cruiser

"All hands, this is your final warning, FTL jump is imminent. Secure all working machinery and set all systems for jump. All hands, FTL jump in 3... 2... 1..."

Admiral Donald Coburn took a breath, taking air in.

"FTL jump complete. Report any malfunctioning equipment, unusual occurrences, or distortions in time, space, or reality immediately."

The Admiral exhaled, letting air out. Within the span of a single breath, in the passing of a single instant, the entirety of Task Force Sovereign had blinked out of existence and emerged many light years away.

"Report," Admiral Coburn ordered, rising from his chair. Around him the men and women of the Flag Command Centre worked quickly to respond to the Admiral.

"FTL jump successful, all ships check in with no reports of distortions or anomalies," reported the shipboard AI, generating a display of the fleet's status and displaying it in the massive holographic tank that dominated the command centre.

"Jump accuracy is confirmed," reported another voice, a human one this time. The voice belonged to Commodore Esteban Kaushik, Coburn's Chief Operations Officer. "We are exactly where we're supposed to be, just outside the system, sir."

"Hostile response?" asked Coburn.

"As expected, no hostile response, sir," said Kaushik.

Coburn nodded. "Take us in, maintain shields, weapons and FTLi on standby. Move into wide standard formation, keep those corvettes loose in screening positions, and maintain arcs of fire for my cruisers."

The command staff began to execute the orders swiftly and quietly - the orders had been discussed before the jump and were exactly what they'd planned on. The mood was one of professionalism and relief among the officers.

"Maintenance of firing arcs... think we might need to fire, Admiral?" asked Kaushik.

"No, but it's always good practice," replied Coburn. "You never know when you might need a clean shot at someone."

Coburn returned to his seat and turned his attention to a personal flatscreen display. He made a few swipes on the display before adjusting his collar and clearing his throat. "Prepare to broadcast, unencrypted and in the open."

"Ready to record for broadcast" reported the flag communications officer, a slender Commander named Amanda Pace. "You may speak when ready," she announced.

"This is Admiral Donald Coburn of the Democratic Colonies Navy. I speak on behalf of the Federated Union of Democratic Colonies. I would like to first express my gratitude to the Columbia Conglomerate in ensuring a peaceful and satisfactory conclusion to the events in this star system. My task force is currently advancing into the system. If can be provided with coordinates, we would like to maneuver to within half a light second of wherever DC military personnel are being held. It is my intention, unless there are pressing matters to discuss, to immediately begin the transfer of DC personnel on to my vessels. DC transports are ready to launch and conduct ferrying duties to facilitate this transfer, and will deploy once my task force has reached agreed upon coordinates."

Coburn paused, then made a motion across his throat. "Good read, Commander Pace?"

Pace nodded. "Good read, Admiral."

"Broadcast it," said Coburn. "A Navy Patrol Group was shattered here. It's time to make sure the survivors go home."

[United Citizens Republics]

CNSV Redoubtable

Kerchner nodded, chewing on a piece of steak. As he swallowed, he also shrugged, "Not very often, but yes, occasionally we have to venture out beyond the bounds of this galaxy. It's long been a dream of our CEO to explore other galaxies, so there are quite a few projects in the works aiming to achieve that goal"

He smiled genuinely, "It's also been a dream of the UCR federal government, so we cooperate with them quite extensively on such matters."

At the mention of the Conglomerate's scope and ability, Kerchner chuckled a bit, "I suppose. We simply do what we can to help the UCR prosper"

Kerchner seemed poised to say something else, when his PHS lit up.

"Excuse me, Commodore" he politely excused himself, walking over to the "window" and having a brief conversation with whomever was on the other end of the line. He then returned to the table and took a seat once again.

"That was the bridge. It would seem that the UCR's fleet has vacated the system, and the task force dispatched by your nation has arrived. An Admiral....", Kerchner briefly looked down at his PHS for the name, "Donald Coburn sent a message. He's prepared to begin picking your people up as soon as they've gotten into position. I've ordered my first mate to transmit the appropriate coordinates"

The Fleet Overseer smiled broadly at Tipton, "Do feel free to finish your meal though. I suspect it will be a short while before your fleet has gotten into position."

************

On the bridge of the Redoubtable, Second Ship Overseer Alexei Patrovich read the message from Kerchner, sighing a bit as he did. This entire ordeal had pulled the fleet away from a fairly important mission on the outer fringe of the galactic rim, and it was that that had exited Alexei. Dealing with petty disputes between the UCR and the DC was not even remotely of interest to him.

But, the chain of command was the chain of command, and Alexei hadn't become the second-highest ranking officer aboard a fleet flagship by being insubordinate. So with great deftness, he pulled up his personal holoterminal and began transmitting a message,

***"This is Second Ship Overseer Alexei Patrovich, speaking on the authority of Fleet Overseer Carlos Kerchner, commanding officer of the Columbia Conglomerate 17th Expeditionary Fleet. All DC personnel have been brought aboard the Infractum, and fragments of the AI core have been brought aboard the Novum Horizon. Your task force may approach coordinates 15.23.56, at a distance one-third of a light second from the 17th Fleet. Coordination of transport shuttles will then commence. Please note that per Columbia Conglomerate Naval Regulation 134, Paragraph 7, Subsection 15.6, our vessel's LAND system will remain active at all times. Your vessels have been flagged as friendly, but will still be tracked by the LAND system. This is not a hostile move; merely protocol."***

[Democratic Colonies]

The DC taskforce cruised into position, maintaining their formation. Docking bay doors opened as the ships came to rest at the designated coordinates, and Quebec class transports departed their motherships and proceeded in a single file line towards Infractum, with one peeling off towards Novum Horizon.

"Second Ship Overseer Alexei Patrovich," said Coburn, speaking into a microphone on his flag bridge. "Transports are now en route to Infractum and Novum Horizon. I understand that your LAND systems will be active, I'm sure that it won't be a problem - our transports will not engage in any aggressive behaviour. They will approach on vectors as directed by Infractum and Novum Horizon controls."

**********

CNSV Redoubtable

"The exploration of other galaxies is something that my people wouldn't have been able to even begin to consider a generation ago," said Tipton. "Now that we are among you, among the stars though, unimaginable new possibilities have opened up. It is unfortunate that... the old problems of territorial control and border disputes continue to plague us."

The Commodore began to cut herself a piece of her steak as Kerchner spoke on his PHS, pausing as she heard the news from the Fleet Overseer.

"I know Admiral Coburn, he's a good man," Tipton said as she resumed cutting her steak. "I'm not surprised that the DC Navy chose him to head up the task force. I should be on the first transport over, I imagine he'll want me to brief him. I'm sure you understand."