06 March 2013

The Prodigal's Homecoming

Mission Log: Kitsune Yamashita

[Feb 13, 2386 - 14:25] (Sec Lev 12)

Loc: Victory outbound from Hectora 1 (Rhynoa)

Estimated Safe Launch Window Time: T-285 hr

UTFS Victory in orbit above Rhynoa.
UTFS Victory in scale with the Nyad.

Rescue Mission

Today is the day. A day of celebration for all of Rhynoa and our effort to keep this planet free. Two hundred years ago I tossed out a message in a bottle and it has come back in the form of a legend. Long ago the Nyad launched in an ill-fated mission to the doomed planet Trispephane. During a time space journey back to That last day for Trispephane, we spotted the Nyad in shut down mode slowly moving toward destruction.

On the return trip we were able to establish contact with the automated flight systems and turn the Nyad around Their new heading was to bring them into near orbit with the gas giant after a two hundred year journey. Orders were changed to wake the crew during the last years of the trip. I had programed two robots of the same type on-board with all the information needed when they return home. Louie and Dewie performed flawlessly. During the last few days of their flight our long range scans showed it was under attack. Databases confirmed the raiders were operated by one of the slave states under control of the Phaerian Empire. As the Nyad races toward the Hectora system it steadily drops homing mines. These seem to have no effect on the shields of their pursuers.

I was on my way to my meeting with Atum when the Caxton sounded and I was called to the bridge. Reports were coming in on the situation and the course of action was clear. I called for status reports and ordered immediate launch and warp jump into the running fight. Navi reports a 2 minute ETA, Weapons control nominal, shields max, running like a bat out of hell.

I hail the Nyad and offer assistance. I can tell the captain recognizes me from the data archive. He smiles and we exchange names. He welcomes us and I give him our ETA. A squadron of Gendauw robotic ships are trailing behind. They will not be able to close to battle but will offer support as we near Rhynoa.

I have to admit he has guts if not tactical sense. During the running fight he turns and scores a broadside which cripples one of the pursuing raiders. Unfortunately the second raider hits the Nyad with a plasma vortex weapon which strips off his side shield and penetrates the hull. Damage reports flow in, bulkheads closed, damage sustainable

The seconds crawl by and I order rolling fire as soon as a weapon system comes in range. Slowly my shots take down their shields and I refuse to let him go. The raider disengages and attempts to flee. The hull begins to glow and the ship is motionless. scans show it is pushing hard to escape the pounding from the Victory, but it is unable to get away..

A new voice is coming through the com unit. It is Dr. von Schwanz aboard the Enciviar. He is attempting to get the crippled ships to surrender. In reply the face of unknown alien species appears and snarls at us. It raises it's fist and the screen goes blank. Twin explosions mark the last location of the crippled raiders. As with their masters no secrets will be discovered.

Messages have been sent to the people of Rhynoa about the return of the Nyad. As planed every transmitter capable of reaching them sends greetings and a welcome home to long lost heroes. I get a message of thanks from the captain. He is still processing the whole situation. I tell him it looks like he could use a drink and come on board when he can, we have a lot to talk about He is home again and his ship carry's the bounty of life nearly destroyed in the great war so long ago. Yes the Age of Miracles has not passed.

The Nyad's course is laid in for Echolynn base. Repairs have top priority. All scans of the Phaerian raiders is being sent to central archives. Victory is taking up orbit of Rhynoa and continuing rescue missions and coordinating communications with the surface. I am issuing commendations to the crew of the Victory in battle. We have drawn first blood in our fight for survival..

Hopefully I will make it through my meeting with Atum and then shower, eat and sleep. The Victory is running smoothly and the crew is frosty. X-O you have the con, Yamashita signing off.

Transmission Ends:

2 comments:

  1. Ensign Enrico Juarez of the U.T.P. (United Terran Provinces)ship, Victory: Addressing seated ship command, Kitsume Yamashita -

    "Shall the Victory escort the Niad the rest of the way in, mdme, or are we allowing the New Baeldran squadrons, or Enciviar to handle that duty?"

    The Victory can reach the base at warp, but the Niad still has a way to crawl - the Niad Cptn Mustrard insists they can make it on their own. What are your orders???

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  2. The waiting escorts can handle the shepherding of the Niad. We Will proceed back to Rhynoa and establish our previous orbital path. When the Niad is settled in I would like for him to beam aboard the Victory at his convenience I need to discuss several matters which he will be pivotal. Yamishita out.

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