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Umbral Descent - Printable Version

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Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-02-2022


A lot has changed since Tricia's departure from The Core. Her own ship, de-jure remaining her property, has been under vigilant observation of her executive officer. However, the changing paradigm of The Core caused Jeff to doubt his allegiance. His loyalty to Tricia and his crew was second to none, but seeing how the cause he serves has long switched to something perverted, he begun to doubt his actions. What if he was doing something Tricia wouldn't approve of or wouldn't do herself? What if she would have wanted for him, her crew and her ship to go?

"Jeff?" Gunnery Chief's bass brought him back to reality. Him and Andrei were sharing a couple of drinks down at the bar, a habit he recently grew attached to. Nobody but the two of them were at the bar - only Jeff, Andrei and a picture of Umbra's old crew. Nothing changed in Delta for a couple of years - Nomads remain hidden, Zoners stopped causing troubles and the Order appears to have switched their attention elsewhere. "You know this will not fix anything, yes?" Andrei leaned back, folding his hands around his chest. Jeff's attention switched back to an old photo, his right hand idly twirling an empty shot glass. "We're not doing it right, Andrei." His voice lacked the signature confidence. Only Andrei knew of his current command officer's mental condition, yet despite countless attempts to help, neither of them were progressing anywhere. "You know that staying here is what she would have wanted." His deep sigh was followed by the words he repeated multiple times. "And what if she didn't? She left us, she's living a married life now, in the colonies. And she trusted me with keeping her ship in proper hands." As he put his shot glass on a table, Andrei immediately took a hint - he poured himself and his friend half a shot of vodka. "Proper hands, Andrei. I can't get rid of this feeling that we're doing something wrong. With the Board gone, there's nobody left to control the Core. Nobody but that idiot Harvy, who wants to be a pain in Liberty's ass." He lifted his glass and emptied it in one gulp as he cursed the deranged self-proclaimed guildmaster. "Sometimes, I'm really wondering why she didn't take the Umbra when she left."

Andrei remained quiet. Just like Jeff and the rest of Umbra's crew, he was strongly attached to Tricia. He didn't approve of the Core's change of course either, and the only possible solution to this would be defection. However, Umbra had little to no options for defection. Bretonia's ties with the Core were only getting stronger. Rheinland, along with Gallia, were slowly working on their efforts to make Omicron Rho connected to the rest of civilized space. Kusari, whilst maintaining radio silence for years, has proven to be a close ally to the Core as well. Liberty seemed like the only remaining option. "So what are you suggesting? That we pack things up, take Umbra and go beg for someone to take us in for a shelter?" It wasn't the first time Jeff heard this suggestion. With each time, Andrei sounded more and more sarcastic about it. "Let me think about it..." Jeff answered, nodding towards the door. Knowing exactly what he wanted, Andrei stood up with a large exhausted exhale. "You got to handle things at the root of the problem, friend." He said, stepping behind Jeff and giving him a hefty pat on his right shoulder. "Give her a call. I think she will be pleasantly surprised." His hefty footsteps echoed through the bar as he slowly departed from it, leaving Jeff in complete solitude. "What do I do, Trix?" Jeff always refused to contact Tricia. He never asked her for guidance, because he knew exactly what she would do. He never doubted her or her directives. But now, he had no clue. When her and her then fiancé stepped aboard Umbra, he saw a completely different woman. A woman that she once was before the most tragic event of her life took place and before she was changed by the Omicrons. And that was the woman he didn't know.

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-03-2022


voice call:
Jeffrey Asterius - to - Tricia Reyes



...> T: Hello?
...> J: Hey, Trix.
...> T: Jeff! Oh my god, I'm so happy to hear you. How have you been?
...> J: Thanks. It's nice to hear you too, Reyes. We're managing just fine down here. How have you been, friend?
...> T: Oh, I've been living the best of my life. I'm married, I'm the Assistant Commissioner of LPI, what could I possibly ask for?
...> J: Really? You moved up in the ranks of LPI?
...> T: Well, I got some use out of my experience as a Guildkeeper and the Guildmistress. It's no different with LPI, really. We just have the Insurgency and thugs instead of the Order and Corsairs.
...>: J: Huh. Hell, I remember how you used to rule the house. Is it just the same as it was with the Core?
...> T: Well... I mean, profit is still the first thing the board thinks about. But they aren't as stupid to think that constant competition and waste of resources is good for us. The downside is that they can be too greedy, but that's nothing I can't handle. But what enough about me! I'm living the life in the colonies, you have all the interesting stories to tell!
...> J: Come on, Trix...
...> T: I'm serious! Tell me, what's up? You didn't just call me for a SITREP, did you?
...> J: [chuckles] No, I... Frankly, we've all been thinking about you, Trix.
...> T: Really? You guys miss me? I could arrange for a shore leave.
...> J: No, it's... not that.
[silence]
...> T: Jeff? [pause] Are you okay?
[silence]
...> T: You can be honest with me, I won't judge you or anything.
[silence]
...> T: I will judge if you won't tell me, though.
...> J: [heavy exhale] No, I'm... I'm not good, at all.
...> T: I had a feeling. [sighs] So what's up?
...> J: Have you ever had a feeling that you're doing something wrong? Even if you promised someone to do right by their side?
...> T: Oh, don't even get me started. I always think about how you guys might one day decide that I just abandoned you all to live a pretty life in the colonies. You remember the picture we took just when the Umbra got retrofitted?
...> J: Yeah, I have it right here, on my desk.
...> T: Yeah, I keep a copy of mine, too. Call me weird, but I just stare at it every night before going to bed.
...> J: Huh. Well, to be quite honest, none of us are mad at you for leaving for the colonies. In reality, we're all happy that you did. The way you are now is incomparable to who you were before, really.
...> T: Yeah... Huh, I suppose that's what love does to people. Anyway, what's wrong?
...> J: Honestly... we're no longer sure that we're doing the right thing here.
...> T: Really?
...> J: The board is gone, the Core is in disarray, and you can't even begin to imagine how much scum took up the Core banners. Do you remember Harvy? The gung-ho S.O.B.?
...> T: Oh, don't remind me. If anything, this guy was always a headache of mine when I was in charge. He also contacted me about half a year ago, shaking LPI up for cash.
...> J: Really? What happened?
...> T: Long story short, one of APM trading ships was caught passing through Alaska, and they had a huge load of Azurite Gas on them.
...> J: No kidding?
...> T: Yeah, and they lost their azurite license long before I quit. Could thank Harvy for that, I suppose. Anyway, he wanted us to compensate him for the damage done.
...> J: The damage done by one of his employees.
...> T: Precisely.
...> J: So what did you do?
...> T: I gave him ten percent of his initial request, as a gesture of good will. He had the audacity to divide the payment into monthly basis. I told him to [REDACTED] himself. I shot a lot of ammo that day.
...> J: That's just... awful. I knew he didn't realize what he was getting the Core into, but this?
...> T: Counter-productive, don't you think? I always suspected him to be an agent for the Order, or an infectee. Either way, he and people like him are no longer my problem.
...> J: Yeah... It's been bugging me for the last two months, actually. That me and the boys are working for men like him. And the fact that the Core is getting retroactively closer and closer to Malta is something none of us approve of, either.
...> T: Well, you always have an option to leave.
...> J: What... do you mean?
...> T: Jeff, I wouldn't get mad at you or anyone from Umbra for leaving the Core. I did it myself.
...> J: And then what? Leave the Umbra to some deranged lunatic?
[silence]
...> T: Yeah, you're right. I wouldn't want to have someone I don't know or trust working on my house, let alone letting some random loon to command my ship. [sighs] What do we do, Jeff?
...> J: That is the question I've been asking myself almost every day as of late.
[prolonged silence]
...> T: Look. I might have an idea, but I don't know if you'll like it or not.
...> J: Just give me anything.
...> T: You could ask for political asylum here in Liberty. They will have to put you under constant surveillance for a brief period of time, as they did with me. If you come with the Umbra, they will seize it for the duration of surveillance, and you all will be on house arrest for about three months. Two, if they don't find anything suspicious.
...> J: Is that how it was for you when you came to Liberty?
...> T: Yeah. They seized Elysium for the duration of my constant surveillance, but I was allowed to pay it a visit when I wanted to. Under an escort, of course.
...> J: That doesn't sound half as bad, actually.
...> T: Mhm. Plus, you might get better odds if you find a fleet that will be interested in her.
...> J: What are you suggesting?
...> T: If you express your desire to serve Liberty, that might raise a few eyebrows and create additional check-ups, but Umbra won't be left without use. Honestly, seeing Umbra under the banner of Liberty Navy is something I wouldn't mind at all.
...> J: You know that I don't swear allegiance to causes, Trix.
...> T: Yes. You do swear allegiance to your friends, though.
...> J: Damn you.
...> T: [chuckles with evil] So what will it be?
...> j: I need to think about it.
...> T: Please do. I'll give the government a good word for you and the boys if you all decide to go with my plan. Thanks for checking up on me.
...> J: Yeah. Thanks for idea, Trix. I'll talk to the boys about it.
...> T: Do take your time, okay?
...> J: Okay. Catch you later

voice call:
end

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-04-2022


session audio log:
Debriefing - 07.04 (July Fourth) 829 A.S. (Eight Hundred Twenty Nine After Settlement)

Participants:
Jeffrey Asterius, Commanding Officer
Andrei Volkov, Gunnery Chief Officer
Markus Petersen, Communications Officer
Brian Lucius, Medical Bay Supervisor
Paul Hendrix, Mechanic
Daisaku Kurosawa, Navigations Officer

...> [Jeffrey Asterius has entered the Debriefing Room]
...> [Jeffrey Asterius has took the seat number Two]
...> [Andrei Volkov has entered the Debriefing room]
...> [Andrei Volkov stands right next to seat number One]
...> A: You think this through?
...> J: Yeah. Yeah, I think I did.
...> [Markus Petersen has entered the Debriefing Room]
...> M: Hope I'm not too late!
...> J: No, Spike, your timing is, as always, impeccable. Take a seat.
...> M: No royalty thrones this time around, Jeff?
...> [Markus Petersen has taken the seat number Three]
...> J: Want me to reserve you a tour to Ageira-land?
...> M: [chuckles] Hey, that's actually not a bad idea!
...> [Daisaku Kurosawa has entered the Debriefing Room]
...> J: Well, you'll get there soon enough.
...> D: Jeff. Andrei. Spike.
...> M: Hey, Dai! Here to join the speculation?
...> J: Dai, take a seat, please.
...> D: I was told we would be discussing a serious matter.
...> [Daisaku Kurosawa has took the seat number Four]
...> J: The matter is serious, Dai. It's about us as a team, and this ship.
...> [Paul Hendrix has entered the Debriefing Room]
...> P: Gentlemen.
...> J: Hendrix, your seat.
...> [Paul Hendrix has taken the seat number Six]
...> [Brian Lucious has entered the Debriefing Room]
...> B: Greetings, brothers.
...> M: Well, the gang's all here!
...> J: Brian, glad to have you here.
...> B: Hope your upcoming plans don't involve excessive external and internal bleeding.
...> [Brian Lucious has taken the seat number Five]
...> J: Thanks for coming, everyone. I gathered you all here to discuss a very serious matter. A matter that will decide our future and the future of this ship.
...> M: What? We finally get to leave this piece of scrap and go on our marry ways?
...> P: You know that any decision we make about this ship has to be discussed with Trix first, right?
...> B: Yeah, she still owns it. We can't just give it away to some rando.
...> J: Well, at least we all agree on that. Do we?
...> M: Do what you will with your promise to Trix. I didn't make any. Besides, she's out there, in the colonies.
...> D: I agree with Markus. Tricia might be the owner of this ship, but she is no longer out captain. You are, Jeff.
...> M: Hey, I might be a pain in the ass, but swearing allegiance to some random woman?
...> J: She is not some random woman, Spike.
...> M: Why not? How long has it been since we last saw her? A year?
...> A: One year, one month and twenty days..
...> M: See? Even Andrei's been counting.
...> D: I do not question her as a woman, Jeff. But I do question her allegiance to us, to her crew.
...> J: Dai, we've been through this.
...> D: So then? Has she even contacted us over the course of this year? Have you even contacted her?
...> J: We spoke. Yesterday.
...> [Markus Petersen whistles]
...> P: Things are that dire, are they?
...> J: Yes. I promised to never disturb her after she left the Core. I, personally, promised to keep her out of our business. She needed some time for herself, to work on herself. You all saw how it turned out for her.
...> D: Yes. I still remember eavesdropping on Spike and Hendrix, who were messing around her personal quarters. Making... special preparations.
...> M: Hey, Jeff said that she and her fiancé liked it. They did like it, right, Jeff?
...> J: Yeah. I was ready to take the storm, but, she was actually touched by it.
...> B: Let's get back to the topic. So what is it, Jeff?
...> J: Look, I think we can all agree that the Core is far from being a safe place. Who knows how long it will take for another Archos to appear? Or for Harvy to take total control over the Core?
...> P: Well, that's not improbable. Frankly, I never liked either of them.
...> D: People like them are the reason Tricia left. I still regret the fact that I didn't follow her in her footsteps when she decided to leave.
...> M: Yeah, I'll prefer anything to getting whipped by either of them every day.
...> J: This is why we're here. Pack your things, say your goodbyes to Nauru and everyone you knew here, because we're leaving.
...> P: You serious?
...> B: Jesus H Christ...
...> M: Uh-huh. For real? We're going?
...> J: Yes. The plan is for me to contact the Libertonian Government and ask for political refuge, due to our differences with the rest of the Core and any potential person in charge.
...> D: To defect is to become the enemy of the Core. They have the most influence in the Far Edge.
...> J: Well, that's why we're defecting for Liberty.
...> D: To be closer to Tricia?
...> J: You have a better option, Dai?
...> D: I would still choose Liberty, Jeff. Your motives is what concerns me.
...> J: What do you mean?
...> D: Do you want to leave for our sake? Or for hers?
...> J: I wouldn't want to leave if she wouldn't approve of it.
...> D: You have to stop living in her shadow, Captain. It is time you make decisions of your own. So what will it be?
[silence]
...> J: We aren't leaving the Core just because I want to take care of her ship. We're leaving because it's not safe to be with the Core any longer, not in a long retrospect. And it's better we do so as soon as possible.
...> D: So what are your orders, Captain?
...> J: Gather your things. Be as discreet about it as you can, I don't want for us to be followed. Dai, plot the course to Alabama Shipyard. It will be a long run, so we need to restock on everything.
...> D: Consider it done.
...> J: Crew dismissed.
...> [Daisaku Kurosawa has left the Debriefing Room]
...> [Paul Hendrix has left the Debriefing Room]
...> [Brian Lucius has left the Debriefing Room]
...> [Markus Petersen hums "A Pirate's life for me"]
...> [Markus Petersen has left the Debriefing Room]
...> A: Is this your actual decision?
...> J: Yes. It feels risky to do stuff out of my own will, but it is what they need right now. What I need.
...> A: We will see if you are doing right, then.
...> [Jeffrey Asterius has left the Debriefing Room]
...> [Andrei Volkov has left the Debriefing Room]

session audio log:
end

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-05-2022



Dock managing at Alabama was the cleanest mankind would find in the Far Edge. Not on par with their mechanics, who, granted, were way overqualified for their job, didn't share the same clean demeanor. Not when it came to ships of Reserve, the part of which the Umbra was reduced to after her owner left the paramilitary. But if the money spoke true, their job would be done in seconds.

Jeff's funding wasn't as rich as Tricia's, but he was still able to make the mechanics at Alabama purr at the sight of his generous tips. Today would be the last day he got to wave his wallet in front of the Core servicemen. At least it was planned to be.

"What do you mean "impounded"? His exchange with the dockmaster wasn't as pleasant. "Look, I understand your concern. But this ship is a property of someone else. We've got to check if their license is still true, and if they still agree with you commanding their ship." Jeff's growing frustration was evident to the dockmaster. Though he blamed himself for missing this check a few days ago. "How long are we speaking?"He calmed down, making his demeanor more presentable. "If your ship was in the Primary Fleet, I'd say it would be two days. It's not easy to find a manifest for one of these, you know." Jeff nodded. "And if she's in reserve?" The dockmaster rolled his eyes, looking at Umbra's long range artillery. "Two weeks, maybe. And that's just because it belonged to the ex-guildmistress." Jeff scoffed. Frankly, this wasn't a part of his plans, and if he knew better, two weeks is more than enough for someone to seize total control over the Core. "As a compensation for your waiting period, we won't charge the docking fee and the maintenance. We can also install a pair of freshly tuned Battle Razors with a fifty percent discount."

Jeff nodded, approving of the idea of having something more powerful than simple mass accelerators. "When will I have them on my ship?" He turned away from the dockmaster, heading back aboard to notify his crew. "In six hours if you pay right now. However..." The dockmaster cleared his throat, lowering his voice. "A generous donation would be greatly appreciated and would motivate our workers to be more efficient." Such decency, or the lack of it, to be more precise, was no longer a surprise to Jeff, not after years in the Core. Through his holographic wristwatch, he wired all the necessary payment to the dockmaster, with a generous tip - the remainder of said fifty percent discount. "My gratitude. Now, if you please, inform your men of their shore leave."

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-08-2022



Best drinks, best time, all for your money. "Supernova" was the place where everyone could forget that they were really close to the Far Edge. The blasting music, the dancing beauties, alcohol flowing like river - it was a piece of civilization the Far Edge lacked drastically. One of few places where merchants, mercenaries and soldiers alike could have a breath of civilized world, where synapses in their brains would reorganize back into a steady pattern, where the infamous Edge Worlds Madness was just a combination of words.

For the last few days, Jeff's pass time was generally spent at this junction, usually accompanied by Hendrix, Brian and Spike, while Andrei decided that spending his time at the shooting range was a better way to entertain oneself. At the same time, Umbra's navigations officer attended martial arts classes. The only one to remain on Umbra was her chief engineer - Gramps. Nobody at the docks could convince him to leave the ship, however, his qualification and revered experience allowed him to stay for the duration of necessary checkups. At least, it was meant to be so.

As Jeff and his crewmates were sharing their drinks at the bar, he caught a glimpse of Umbra's chief engineer, who stood in the middle of a pathway and looked around. Jeff, albeit surprised for a moment, switched his mindset from entertainment to focus. If Gramps was anywhere outside Umbra's maintenance, then things weren't going as planned at all. He rose his hand in the air, making it easier for an old man to find him. It took a moment for Gramps to finally see Jeff, but once he did, he hastily walked towards his table. "Jeff, this is a travesty!" His hands made sharp movements, expressing how upset he was. Jeff stood up, leaving his shot glass on a table. He grabbed Gramps by his shoulders, trying to ease him up. "What's wrong?" He asked, looking the old man in his eyes. "The Umbra! They... They forced me off! Told me it's no longer her property!" Gramps explained, his posture collapsing as he couldn't believe his own words. "What?" Jeff squinted, getting closer to the chief engineer, making sure the blasting music wasn't blocking out his words. "They forced me off the ship! Told me it no longer belongs to the girl!" Gramps raised his voice just enough for Jeff to hear him well, but to remain unheard for everyone else. Was it a mistake? Jeff looked over at his friends and nodded towards the door, signaling them to get up. Seeing how serious his expression was, Paul and Brian got up without a second thought. However, Spike's current predicament prevented him from joining the others. "Go on, sweetie. Daddy's gotta work." He said to a stripper that was sitting on his lap. The entertainer blew him a kiss as a goodbye, prancing towards the next table, looking for another potential client.

"Tell me exactly what happened." Jeff and his company were just outside the bar, gathered in a close group, surrounding Gramps, Hendrix meticulously tried to calm his co-worker. "You see, I was just minding my own business down in the Power Core, and, you see, I hear footsteps. Thought it was one of them bay inspectors or something, checking up if all's alright with the ship. But nay, it was a- a marine! Next thing I knew, I get a gun, shoved up my face and told to leave. Why, I go, and then I see the dock manager! He tells me that the ship no longer belongs to Tricia, because her fee wasn't accepted!" By the way he was explaining the situation, it was evident that Gramps was shocked. With each word uttered, Jeff refused to believe what was occurring. "Impossible. I spoke to her, she paid her fees." He said. Spike leaned on a wall next to Gramps, letting out an impressed whistle. "Wow. So it's already happening, is it, Jeff?" He asked, not even once considering that something like this would ever happen. Gramps couldn't say anything, his mouth frozen agape, his eyes darting between his crewmates. "Wha-wha-wha... What do we do?"

Jeff frowned. Something was not right, but he knew that contacting with authorities would result in nothing. If anything, it would get him and his crew in more trouble than they already were. "Alright. We'll discuss everything at my flat. We also need to let Andrei and Dai know. Let's pretend like nothing happened, for now."



Gramps was seated on a black stool, hunching his back forwards and staring mindlessly at the floor. It was the first time in years he had to step off the Umbra - last time he did that was for the exact photo that Jeff and Tricia keep close to their hearts to this day. Spike rested on Jeff's bed, staring into the ceiling and waiting for his mind to clear the bar music out. Andrei stood in the middle of the room, his hands folded around his chest, his eyes expressing great confusion. Dai was leaning onto the wall next to Jeff's bed, his hands folded in same manner. Brian and Hendrix shared a couch under the entertainment center. And Jeff leaned onto the window, his arms just as crossed, his stare aimed at the floor. Nobody could break the silence because nobody had anything to say.

Moments ago, he discovered that Tricia's payment indeed went through, but due to some executive decision, the money she wired as a sharing fee was classified as "property damage compensation fee".

"Anyone got something to say?" He spoke, lifting his eyes at his crewmates. Brian and Hendrix shook their heads in denial, Dai and Spike kept wordlessly staring into nothingness, Andrei looked over everyone else, but Jeff's request only caused him to shrug, and Gramps could only rub his head in frustration. Jeff sighed. "We have to come up with something. All we need is to get into the docks management, lift the lockdown, take the ship and leave." He already had the plan structured in his head, yet nobody could suggest anything. "Yeah, good luck with that. Even then, how would we know which manager issued the lockdown and from which console?" Spike's nihilistic approach wasn't making the situation any better, but there was a share of truth in his words. "Ugh... Maybe, we don't have to." Gramps said, an idea that crossed his mind made him finally lift his head and turn towards Jeff. "We could just trigger a general lockdown lift protocol. It can be issued from any console in the docks. They won't be guarding it like Queen Carina's crown jewelry, it's a secondary asset." His explanation was filling Jeff with a feeling that they were getting somewhere. "Yes, but we must find out how to get there unnoticed. Them issuing the lockdown from security is the last thing we want. We need to figure out a time window." This proposal made Dai show signs of life. "I could spectate their shifts and how they swap teams. Perhaps, there is a time window that would allow us to strike." He spoke in a deadly serious manner. Jeff knew better than to argue with Dai, so he nodded again. "Great. Gramps, what about Luma? Is she gonna cause issues?" He turned to Umbra's chief engineer. He grunted in response, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, she could become a problem for us, but if she does, I only need to get down the AI Core and disable her." Jeff carefully listened to everything his comrade had to say. "You've got a failsafe, just in case?" He asked. "Aye, well, that's what I intend to use as soon as I get there. But she might listen to you, since you're her last known commanding officer."

Jeff nodded. Now every piece of the puzzle was falling together. "Dai, ask around the dockmasters about their schedule." He addressed the navigations officer. "I trust you to be as subtle as possible. If they won't talk, just observe them. As far as I know, visitors are allowed in reserve docks at any time. Everyone else, let's lay low for a bit and pretend like nothing happened. Not a word about our plan outside this place." Through his apartment's holographic interface, he turned on the television for him and the rest of the team to enjoy, for the time being. Dai stepped out, the door sliding shut behind him.

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-10-2022


The last two days were long for Jeff and his crew. While Dai was spying on mechanics and guards at the docks, Jeff took his personal "Requiem" and joined a few patrols around Omicron Rho. He needed to see the pattern in patrols and pick the best moment for him and his team to hijack Umbra and get away with it unnoticed. The rest of his team were mentally preparing themselves for a potentially long adventure in the Edge Worlds with the Core on their tail.

They took their spots around Jeff's apartment just like the last time they had a meeting. The only one missing was Dai, but knowing his expertise, Jeff had little doubt in him. "Each patrol departs from Durban in parties, their patrol pattern is a simple tri-point route. First group goes to Xi Jump Hole, then Omicron Delta Jump Hole, and then back to Durban. The moment the first group reaches the Xi Jump Hole, the second group departs from Durban. From there, they go to Foxtrot-Six - a crossing point between Sigma-Fifteen and Omicron Zeta Jump Holes. From there, they go to Omicron Delta and back to Durban as well." He explained all the intelligence he acquired to his team. "At this point, we'll have to improvise, because the time of our departure depends on what Dai has to say."

The door to Jeff's apartment opened, his and his crew's eyes instantly locked on it. In stepped Dai, the door closing shut behind him, his look was stoic as always. "Great to see you, Dai." Jeff sighed in relief. Navigations officer's posture hasn't changed from the time he went on a solo mission, but Jeff held faith in his abilities. "I bring good news." Dai said, lifting his right hand up, demonstrating a white card to everyone present. "A dockmaster's reserve ID. With it, any override will be considered as absolute and won't trigger any security alarms." A sinister smile surfaced on Jeff's face. "Go on." He asked Dai to continue with everything he knew. "Security is minimal, almost like they don't expect anything to happen." Dai began his explanation as he leaned onto a wall next to Jeff's bed. "Only two guards and two surveillance cameras - one at the dockmaster's office, one at the entrance. Security rotation happens every seven hours and goes for about an hour. Docking bay staff rotation happens at the same time the security rotation does. The dock remains unobserved for that duration. They also enable decontamination protocol for entire duration of this hour." Jeff listened carefully, building the plan in his head from everything Dai had to say. "And how long does it take for them to clear the area entirely?" He asked. "Ten minutes. The dockmaster leaves five minutes later, only when every employee clears the area. The next staff arrives ten minutes prior to their shift, too." Jeff nodded. "So, realistically speaking, we only have half-an-hour to steal that ship." Dai nodded back. "Half-an-hour for them to detect a triggered override."

The plan was ready. "Thanks, Dai." He addressed his nav. "Here's the plan, everyone. Me, Andrei, Paul, Brian and Gramps will head for the dock. Dai, when the rotation occurs, you sneak into the dockmaster's office, intercept the dockmaster before they leave, force them to disable the lockdown and decontamination protocols. When they're done, incapacitate them. Don't bother with security logs, they'll find out who it was, and by the time they do, we'll be far away from Rho. After you're done, go for the hangar, take my "Requiem" and stay close to Umbra's own bay. We'll then take you in and head for Omicron Zeta. With luck, we'll depart when the second patrol group is between their first and second points." He then faced Umbra's chief engineer. "Gramps, is the prototype cloaking technology still active?" The old man was startled by Jeff addressing him. "Huh- Wha--?! Who? Me?" He asked frantically, obviously his mind failed to process Jeff's request. Jeff sighed as Gramps cluelessly looked at him. "Is there any chance we can use that prototype cloak?" He repeated his question, speaking in a louder and slower manner. "Oh!" Chief engineer exclaimed, slapping himself on a forehead. "No, they stripped it the moment Umbra stopped being an asset of the Primary Fleet." He shook his head. Jeff frowned. "Alright. Then, Andrei, I want you to be ready to fire upon the Core ships." He addressed his gunnery chief. He, in response, showed uncertainty. "Are you serious?" He asked, his eyes wide open. "If we come across any patrol, I want you to shoot them if they try to stop us, yes. Aim to disable, not for the kill. " Andrei shook his head. "I will try. These Razors should be good against anything small." Jeff nodded. "There's no time to waste. Let's go."

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-13-2022


Various dock workers, from mechanics and vendors to dispatch and security, all of them were just done leaving the docks. The only one remaining in the offices was the dockmaster, whose task was to ensure that nobody remained inside. Decontamination protocols would disintegrate any organic life form in the docks, including employees. Unnecessary casualties like these look very bad on performance reports.

The dockmaster's office was positioned right above the dock, giving a clean view over the ships that were undergoing maintenance, as well as docking extensions and airlocks, through which the ship's crew would board their vessels.

Today was quite calm. No extraordinary check-ups, no heavily damaged ships. The dockmaster rested in her chair, finalizing the performance report and preparing to lock the docks down for decontamination and crew rotation. All was going as planned, until she heard the door to her office slide open. It wasn't meant to behave that way - the only ones who would be able to enter dockmaster's office without dockmaster's permission are the dockmasters themselves. It took her a fair second to even react to that. But before she could say anything, the intruder already had his handgun pointed at her. She gasped, stepping up and walking away from her working desk. Most dockmasters would've summoned the security, those who didn't have anyone to live for. "No-no-no-no-no, please! I have a daughter!" She begged, putting her hands in the air and backing up even further. But her outcries were pointless - the intruder was resilient about achieving his primary objective. "Lift the lockdown of the Umbra, extend the docking tube to that battleship and de-activate decontamination protocols. If you do that, you will live." His words were still and stoic, naturally, he wasn't touched by dockmaster's state, but he had no intention of killing her, either. As she approached the console, a thought of summoning the security crossed her mind, but the intruder had his finger on a trigger. No doubt, she would be dead the second her hand would reach for security alarm. She had no other option but to comply.

Her fingers quickly ran through the console. First, she disabled the decontamination protocols. Burning red barriers that were going from side to side in the docking bays have stopped in place, retracting upwards into projectors. She then issued the lockdown lift and extended the docking tube. "There, there, now please, let me go!" She put her hands away from the console, lifting them up and begging the intruder again. But he wasn't done with her yet. "Now we leave for the hangar. You will follow me. Don't try anything." His gun was still pointed at her. Seeing how he mentioned the hangar, she dropped on her knees, begging him even more. "Please, don't kidnap me! I'll do anything, but don't take me anywhere! I don't know how to fly a ship!" She pleaded, but the intruder was relentless. He harshly grabbed her by her hand and put her on her legs. "I don't need you in my ship. I need you to follow me to the hangar, so that I'm sure you won't summon the security." He stared right into her eyes. The scenario she was going through right now was nothing she has ever faced before or was prepared for. "Please, don't kidnap me..." She kept pleading, breaking down on the floor, her face covered in tears. Fear overtook her, every possible development of this situation clouded her judgement, so much so that she collapsed on the floor. The intruder knew she wasn't fit for a decoy, nor would she attempt anything at this stage. He aimed his handgun at the console. The shot itself was silent, but the cracking sound of wiring and glass caused even more shock to the dockmaster.

Curled up in fetal position, sobbing, she was no threat. Daisaku didn't account for the dockmaster to be so sentimental or emotional, nor did he like the idea of leaving here right there. but it wouldn't hinder his plans. Without looking back, he left the office, locking it down with dockmaster's reserve ID.



"Any second now..." Jeff and what little remained of his crew gathered at the docks, waiting for them to open. Apart from his trusty company, he also managed to contact some of the technicians that worked aboard Umbra as a part of her crew, convincing them to leave with him. He could even put together a team of medics, gathering the bare minimum of thirty two men in total. The majority of Umbra's system was controlled by its AI, Luma. Such simplicity allowed for the ship to sail efficiently even with skeleton crew.

The holographic display above the doors stated "Closed for maintenance". Jeff's eyes were pinned on the display, almost as if he was attempting to hypnotize it. The rest of his team were quiet, trying not to attract too much attention. The only one who was showing evident signs of slight anxiety was Gramps, but such was his regular state anywhere outside Umbra's engineering deck. During scheduled maintenances, nobody cared to approach the docks.

Suddenly, the holographic display above the door disappeared. The doors slid open, revealing an empty docking bay with several ships fixed by the docking clamps. Umbra wasn't too far from the entrance, but it still had to be reached through an airlock tube. Having another look around and making sure nobody was nearby, Jeff waved, signaling to his crew to get in. Each of them, one by one, carefully snuck into the bay, heading towards their battleship. Andrei was ahead of the group - as the ship's XO, he had access to it. Jeff had to ensure that everyone made it to Umbra from his end.

As the last mechanic entered the docks, Jeff looked behind and above, the lights in the dockmaster's office were still on, but nobody was seen through the window. He smiled, knowing that Dai did his job properly.

He was the last one to enter Umbra, the airlock on ship's side shutting close as there was nobody to retract it from the bay itself. His crew already took their positions - the only one missing was his helmsman. Jeff knew the basics of helming a battleship, but he never got to, not even in simulations. "Luma, talk to me." He said as he approached the helm. "I'm with you, Captain Asterius." A synthetic feminine voice with imitated emotion answered through the bridge's internal audio emitters. "Prepare the reverse thrusters, we're leaving the dock." Jeff commanded, getting his hands around the controls, which, due to Dai's lack of any personal needs, would be fit for anyone. "Acknowledged. Do you wish to run down the complete system check before our departure?" Umbra's AI asked. "Uhm, yes. Make sure everything works." The helm had its own intercom speaker, allowing Jeff to communicate with the rest of his crew. "All stations, status report." He spoke, his voice reaching down to every last bit of Umbra. "Power core nominal, engines are running without any deviations." First to report was Hendrix, who was running down last preparations in the engineering. He knew better than to try and help Gramps, who felt way more confident now that he was confined within the ship's walls. "Long-Range Artillery is ready, point defense systems online and ready." Andrei followed, assuming his position in the gunnery. "Scanner and comms online!" Markus shouted across the bridge. "Medbay ready." Last was Brian, who was running down last preparations of pharmaceuticals and medicinal tools. "All systems are green, captain. We're ready to depart." The final report was summarized by Umbra's AI.

Goosebumps rushed through Jeff's body, but he knew that it was too late to turn back. "All stations, code yellow, We're leaving the docks." Slowly pulling the propulsion lever towards himself, he engaged Umbra's reverse thrusters. With astronomical force, the battleship left Alabama's dry dock, beginning its descent down the rabbit hole.

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-15-2022






"Arriving to Omicron Nu, captain." Up until they would reach their destination, Umbra's crew maintained radio and inside silence, like a submarine surrounded by hostile warships. Dai's words eased up the tension just a little bit - even though Omicron Nu was quite a point of interest to the Core, any potential search party would have to go through Omicrons Zeta and Minor to have at least some clue where the Umbra went. Jeff had no doubt that his ship caught the attention of the Order on their way here, yet him and Umbra's crew made it look like a routine patrol.

"Luma, give me the map." He asked the ship's AI, who shortly after brought up a holographic display half the Jeff's height in front of him, showing everything they knew about Omicron Nu - the fields, the positioning of stellar bodies, even the supergate and its surroundings. "So, should we beam it straight to the Oregon?" Markus proposed. Even though Jeff knew better than to take him seriously, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "No, too risky and too close. We need to approach them with caution. Anything in the direction of Mariana Trench isn't an option, either." He took a good second to ponder their possible pathing. "Dai, take us to the dark side of Midway. Spike, maintain radio silence. I don't want us to be heard by anyone in this system, especially by whatever hides on Marshall."


Thirty minutes later, they would find themselves covered by Midway's shadow, Umbra's side thrusters had just enough power in them to combat the gas giant's gravity pull. It was a good place for a temporary hideout, as the interference caused by Midway would safeguard them from any long-range scanners. But it also worked as a double-edged sword - Umbra's crew would have no idea about any potential visitors, and any long-range communications would be highly delayed.

"How much time do you give it, Spike?" Jeff asked, his message to Libertonian Government was sent just ten minutes ago. "Hoo-wee, with all this interference? Who knows, chief. Could be two days, could be two weeks. And don't even get me started with the time it would take them to give us something in response. We're here for a long time, cap." Markus' specific view of reality didn't come as positive, but it was true. "To all stations." Jeff addressed his crew through the intercom. "We're here for a long sitting. Ration your food and water carefully, our supplies are just sufficient enough to keep us alive for a month. Save your energy and energy of our ship." He then addressed the ship's AI. "Luma, I want you to deactivate artificial gravity and redirect life support from decks without any assigned or present crew. Do so with my personal quarters, too." The AI affirmed his request. "Should I redirect life-support from captain's quarters, too?" She asked, meaning Tricia's own room aboard the Umbra. "Yes, you should." Jeff nodded in response, taking a seat by one of secondary monitors. "You're both dismissed. I'll keep an eye on our comms." He addressed Dai and Markus specifically. While Dai seemed to ignore Jeff's command, Markus chuckled in response. "Do you really think I want to go anywhere? I'm enjoying this leather seat, Jeff." His lightening reaction gave Jeff a smile. "You can sit there and watch the comms, if you want." He then looked into Dai's general direction, seeing how the helmsman preferred to stay where he was. "I can see Dai won't be leaving, either." It was one of very few moments when Dai had a sinister smirk appear on his face. "You're welcome to try and make me, captain." Dai's response, while sounding like a threat, actually helped to lighten up the atmosphere on the bridge. Markus burst up in laughter, and even if Jeff was amused by Dai's statement, he kept his laughter in. Hearing their reactions and knowing that his joke was well received, Dai kept smirking devilishly.

It was a long day for all of them, seemingly, only Markus was full of energy to keep going, until he would eventually pass out from sleep deprivation. Nobody knew the secret to his never-ending battery charge, but Jeff was quite fatigued by the events of past day. And even with his almost ultimate resilience, Dai was feeling the pressure as well. He rested in his chair, his mind remained alert on subconscious levels, letting his body rest. Jeff crossed his legs above the secondary computer desk, getting comfortable in his seat to ensure that he gets the sleep he needs for upcoming days.

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-18-2022


session audio log:
07.17 (July Seventeenth) 829 A.S. (Eight Hundred Twenty Nine After Settlement)

Participants:
Jeffrey Asterius, Commanding Officer
Markus Petersen, Communications Officer

...> J: Got anything yet?
...> M: Negativ, herr Kapitan. We can't even know if they got our message at all. Told you, it could be weeks.
...> J: Right.
...> M: Besides, their response might take just as long.
...> J: Not too long, I hope.
[silence.duration - one min]
...> J: Why are you doing this, Mark?
...> M: Hm? Why am I doing what?
...> J: All this. Of all people, I didn't expect you to follow me.
...> M: My dude, are you for real?
...> J: I actually am, yes.
...> M: Jeff, my man, are you messing with me?
...> J: No?
...> M: Feeling the pressure yet?
...> J: No.
...> M: Getting a little anxious from all this despair?
...> J: No! I'm just wondering. Plenty of time for that, don't you think?
...> M: Alright, alright. Take a seat, or, a lean... Whatever flies your boat, I suppose. Ol' Mark's gonna tell you a story of his boring and miserable life.
...> J: Oh-hoh-hoh, alright, funny guy. Amuse me.
...> M: Remember how back in a day you guys used to fly around Omegas and do merc jobs?
...> J: Yeah. Good times.
...> M: Yeah, well, you didn't pick me up from Ef-Pi-One, unlike Dai there, or Gramps and Hen. I'm not sure where you got Andrei, Brian, Desmond...
...> J: Right, Desmond. Good fella, that one.
...> M: Yeah, that was a real shame. Anyway, I would spend most of my time in Ef-Pi-Five's dispatch booth - monitoring incoming ships, yelling at hessians and corsairs to knock it off, stuff like that. Every day, it's been the same. I wake up, I get up to my booth, I monitor incoming ships, I monitor leaving ships, and when the day is over, I go to bed. Same thing, over and over and over again. Yeah, that was paying the bills, alright, but... Man, I wanted -more-!
...> J: Uh-huh. And so you got more.
...> M: Yes, sir, I did! Everything changed when by a happy coincidence, you and the rest of the squad were passing by Ef-Pi-Five. I mean, yes, you guys weren't the only merc group operating in those grounds, but something sparked my interest in you. I'd be damned if I knew, but I saw an opportunity to leave Ef-Pi-Five and go on an adventure. And before you ask - yes, I've been shoving my resume at every passing merc who needed a good coordinator, but they'd rather have these namby pambies from mission commission. Trix? Oh, she saw the fire in my eyes. She saw what I can do, and she knew how to make me great at what I do!
...> J: Yeah. And so, you became our coordinator.
...> M: Yep. Since then, this drive for adventure, this anticipation of leaping head-on into the unknown - that is what makes me feel -alive-, baby! And this whole ordeal with defection? Hell, I'd pay you to have me on-board!
...> J: Alright, then I'll be waiting for that pay.
...> M: [cackles] I am your pay!
...> J: [chuckles] Well, thanks for a talk. It's nice to know that you don't feel pressured into it.
...> M: You bet.

[silence.duration - five min]

...> M: Hey, Jeff! You got mail!
...> J: Hm? What did you get?
...> M: Coming from Liberty. Here, have a read.

[silence.duration - two min]

...> J: Oh, that's good. That's very, very good.
...> M: So? Are they willing to re-ennact Rapunzel with us?
...> J: I need to record a response asap. Hopefully, this one will reach them just as fast as the last one.
...> M: Yeah, I think I can get it faster.
...> J: Come again?
...> M: Whatever comms buoy or relay they used, I could try and send your message through it. Will take me a moment, but I can get the frequency on the lock while you record your message. If it works, they should have our message within a day.
...> J: Good job, Spike.
...> M: Yeah, thank me later, go do your thing!

session audio log:
end

RE: Umbral Descent - Chronicron - 07-26-2022


radio communications log:
07.25 (July Twenty-Fifth) 829 A.S. (Eight Hundred Twenty Nine After Settlement)



uploading radio log

Code:
[25.07.2022 20:52:07] WV-Umbra: Spike: We've got incoming ships.
[25.07.2022 20:52:12] WV-Umbra: Spike: Liberty signatures.
[25.07.2022 20:52:22] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Of course there are Liberty signatures. You should be expecting us.
[25.07.2022 20:52:22] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Hold on. Let me check this.
[25.07.2022 20:52:23] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Eyes on the Umbra.
[25.07.2022 20:52:34] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Steyr: Your coffee, ma'am.
[25.07.2022 20:52:42] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Much appreciated, Steyr. To your post.
[25.07.2022 20:52:47] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Excellent news. We're really glad to see you.
[25.07.2022 20:52:55] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Mhmm.
[25.07.2022 20:53:00] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Why?
[25.07.2022 20:53:23] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Well, that means our outcry was heard. At least, I hope it was.
[25.07.2022 20:53:28] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: All ahead, halt.
[25.07.2022 20:53:39] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Steyr, abaft the Mako, if you would.
[25.07.2022 20:53:46] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Steyr: Aye, ma'am.
[25.07.2022 20:54:12] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: I believe some introductions are in order. Willow Grove actual, care to proceed?
[25.07.2022 20:54:33] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Senior Agent Hornady, Liberty Security Force. Agents Steyr and Lawry, my bridge crew.
[25.07.2022 20:54:49] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Before you ask, yes, three people. No, you don't get to hear why.
[25.07.2022 20:55:21] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Well, if it works for operation capacity, then I suppose that doesn't really matter.
[25.07.2022 20:55:44] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Captain Jeffery Asterius here, with my helmsman Daisaku Kurosawa and Radio Operator, Markus Petersen, alias "Spike".
[25.07.2022 20:55:52] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Cute.
[25.07.2022 20:56:21] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: This is Fleet Admiral Martin Kemp-Smith, Liberty Navy, Fourty-Sixth Fleet. So, we finally meet face-to-face, as it were.
[25.07.2022 20:57:03] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Indeed. It's a pleasure meeting you, sir.
[25.07.2022 20:57:13] WV-Umbra: Jeff: That, and also, a relief.
[25.07.2022 20:57:35] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Likewise, Captain.
[25.07.2022 20:57:51] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: How was your trip from the deep Omicron's?
[25.07.2022 20:58:42] WV-Umbra: Jeff: The short of it - the Umbra was on a lockdown, so we had to, so to say, "steal" it.
[25.07.2022 20:58:50] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Do you intend to keep it?
[25.07.2022 20:59:00] WV-Umbra: Jeff: It was on a lockdown because her owner's sharing fee was processed as "damage compensation".
[25.07.2022 21:00:00] WV-Umbra: Jeff: We would most certainly would like to remaind around it, Agent.
[25.07.2022 21:00:31] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Mhmm. So this is less a request for asylum, and more a request to operate a capital-class warship within Republic space, am I correct?
[25.07.2022 21:01:05] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Both, actually. I don't think the Core will be very fond of us taking this ship.
[25.07.2022 21:01:30] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I was her captain before she was impounded, and there is no way I'm letting some maltese-kissing psychopath command her.
[25.07.2022 21:01:39] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I couldn't give less of a shit how the Core feels. I care more about foreign assets operating within the Republic.
[25.07.2022 21:01:52] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Because, frankly, an asylum-seeker does not a loyal citizen make.
[25.07.2022 21:02:14] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Well, the only thing that would prove our allegience is time, right?
[25.07.2022 21:02:20] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Hardly.
[25.07.2022 21:02:43] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Were it up to myself and the Directorate, you'd be offloaded on Manhattan, and your ship broken down for spares.
[25.07.2022 21:03:48] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: I'm sure you can appreciate the caution on our end, Captain.
[25.07.2022 21:04:09] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: It's more than Caution. Were it -purely- up to me, I'd have turned you away outright.
[25.07.2022 21:04:10] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Vermont actual, welcome.
[25.07.2022 21:04:10] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I can see where it's coming from, I very well understand the caution.
[25.07.2022 21:04:21] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Hell, I'd act the same way if I was in your shoes.
[25.07.2022 21:04:24] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: -Do- you understand the caution?
[25.07.2022 21:04:31] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Does the name "Jessebelle Fillian" ring a bell?
[25.07.2022 21:04:46] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Alright, we made it. Gunners keep an eye on that Mako. Good day Fleet Admiral, Members of the LSF.
[25.07.2022 21:04:54] WV-Umbra: Jeff: It does, yes. -That- woman is a complete psycho.
[25.07.2022 21:05:06] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: When I think of the Core, that's what I picture.
[25.07.2022 21:05:32] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: A good cop becomes a bad cop when he lets bad cops get away with being bad. You lot let her get away with some, frankly, heinous shit.
[25.07.2022 21:06:06] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Believe me, was I in charge of the Core, I wouldn't let a psycho like her anywhere near Durban. Or Nauru.
[25.07.2022 21:06:23] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: You weren't, but you had a vessel equivalent to hers. Why didn't you kill her?
[25.07.2022 21:06:41] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: You likely could have ended that bloodbath in the Omicrons before it overflowed. Course of our "relationship" with the Core could have been altered.
[25.07.2022 21:07:16] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Fillian is... a specially ranking officer. Laying hand on her would mean laying hand on the rest of the Core.
[25.07.2022 21:07:37] WV-Umbra: Jeff: And she was never alone.
[25.07.2022 21:07:51] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Mhmm. "Was" a specially-ranked officer would be more apt, but I digress.
[25.07.2022 21:08:04] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Why are you running to the Republic, rather than Bretonia, or Kusari, or Rheinland?
[25.07.2022 21:08:12] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I even remember overhearing her and then-guildkeeper Daniels having a CQC.
[25.07.2022 21:08:33] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Either of them would surrender us back to the Core without a second thought, agent.
[25.07.2022 21:08:44] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: And you believe we wouldn't?
[25.07.2022 21:09:23] WV-Umbra: Jeff: We considered them as options, but your history with the Core is complicated.
[25.07.2022 21:09:43] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: An understatement.
[25.07.2022 21:09:49] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Yes, quite.
[25.07.2022 21:09:54] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: How many people do you have aboard, Umbra? Ballpark it.
[25.07.2022 21:10:03] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Thirty Five.
[25.07.2022 21:10:48] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I see. [She quietly takes a sip from her coffee.] Anchorage, Vermont, what's your play with the boat?
[25.07.2022 21:10:49] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Myself, bridge crew, gunnery, machinery and med bay staff.
[25.07.2022 21:11:09] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: We're going to cycle the entire crew aboard the currently-decompressed sections of the Grove for blood samples and fingerprinting.
[25.07.2022 21:11:15] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: We'll keep it in system and somewhere, ideally, away from the supergate, for now.
[25.07.2022 21:11:54] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Works for me. Umbra, the Security Force intends to build a full profile on your entire crew, as a security  precaution.
[25.07.2022 21:12:13] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Retinal scans, fingerprinting, blood samples, hair samples, among other sundries.
[25.07.2022 21:12:20] WV-Umbra: Jeff: We understand and comply, Agent.
[25.07.2022 21:12:35] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Brilliant. Steyr, pressurize the medical wing and extend docking collars.
[25.07.2022 21:13:04] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Vermont actual, push port-side of the Umbra.
[25.07.2022 21:13:04] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Dai, pressurise the airlock and prepare the docking extension.
[25.07.2022 21:13:10] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Anchorage will take the aft.
[25.07.2022 21:13:16] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Umbra, your crew will board the Grove via docking collar Alpha, and exit via Zeta. The entire process will be  automated.
[25.07.2022 21:13:34] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Don't get nosey, or you'll rapidly find yourself smelling vacuum.
[25.07.2022 21:14:04] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Understood. *to internal comms* All stations, prepare to board the Willow Groove. We're leaving.
[25.07.2022 21:14:24] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Alaska actual, welcome. I want you to the Umbra's starboard side.
[25.07.2022 21:14:42] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Luma, assume control. I order you to cooperate with Liberty Security Force and the Navy as if you would with me.
[25.07.2022 21:14:50] 46th|LNS-Alaska: Dallas: Greetings, Anchorage-actual. Roger that, moving to formation
[25.07.2022 21:14:50] WV-Umbra: Luma: Understood, Captain.
[25.07.2022 21:15:05] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Jesus. Here comes the Navy, picking directions. How about you simply take wing on the ship that's already extending collars?
[25.07.2022 21:15:32] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Umbra, three at a time. Steyr, make contact and repressurize the main corridors, med-suite, and adjoining sections.
[25.07.2022 21:15:34] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: More coordinating the security of the immediate perimeter.
[25.07.2022 21:15:57] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Steyr: Aye, ma'am. Reaching full pressure in ten.
[25.07.2022 21:16:00] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Roger that. First will be myself, my radio operator and our helmsman.
[25.07.2022 21:16:22] WV-Umbra: Luma: Docking extension pressurized. Awaiting input from Willow Grove.
[25.07.2022 21:16:43] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Very well. Steyr, unseal the doors. Umbra, your crew won't be sticking around. In and out.
[25.07.2022 21:17:02] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Through Alpha, follow the directions of the medical droids, then out Zeta and back aboard the Umbra.
[25.07.2022 21:17:20] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Affirmative. Our first party is ready to go.
[25.07.2022 21:17:33] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Off you go. Doors are open.
[25.07.2022 21:17:41] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: The ones you need access to, anyway.
[25.07.2022 21:17:59] WV-Umbra: *Jeff, Dai and Spike moved swiftly through desitnated sections, keeping their eyes straight and to themselves, surrendering any necessary samples and procedures.*
[25.07.2022 21:18:24] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I need to step into my ready-room for just a moment. Keep cycling your crew, three at a time.
[25.07.2022 21:19:22] WV-Umbra: *Minor complaints could be heard from Spike, as was in his character. The three completed their checks, heading back to the Umbra. The next batch consisting of three mechanics headed in.*
[25.07.2022 21:21:01] WV-Umbra: *Minutes later, after their doing was done, the next batch proceeded. At its tail was a very old man, who looked cautiosly around everything he thought he could lay his eyes on.*
[25.07.2022 21:21:35] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: You, at the tail. Name, place of birth, age.
[25.07.2022 21:22:15] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: XO, scan their ship. I want to know everything.
[25.07.2022 21:22:18] 46th|LNS-Vermont: XO: Aye aye.
[25.07.2022 21:22:27] WV-Umbra: *He froze in shock* Gramps: S-sir! Joseph Miles, sir! Born on Houston, 768 After Settlement!
[25.07.2022 21:23:12] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I don't like you snooping. Eyes front, through the procedures, and back aboard.
[25.07.2022 21:23:16] WV-Umbra: *the man in the middle, considering stopping for a second, knowing it would bring more trouble, continued in.*
[25.07.2022 21:23:25] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Do we have an understanding, mister Miles?
[25.07.2022 21:23:30] WV-Umbra: Gramps: Yes, sir! Sorry, sir!
[25.07.2022 21:23:33] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Ma'am.
[25.07.2022 21:23:42] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Vermont X-ray, anything substatial worthy of mention?
[25.07.2022 21:24:15] WV-Umbra: *Gramps proceeded in, receiving a pat on the back from one of his mechanics.*
[25.07.2022 21:24:49] WV-Umbra: *Once they were done, a batch of three medical assistants headed in.*
[25.07.2022 21:25:42] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Steyr: Anchorage, only particularly interesting item is the lack of Bretonia-produced main thrusters. Newer model of Mako.
[25.07.2022 21:25:55] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Steyr: Either that, or someone tweaked the exhaust profiles. They're not fluffy.
[25.07.2022 21:25:57] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Everything seems normal so far.
[25.07.2022 21:26:13] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Copy that. Interesting, thank you for relaying.
[25.07.2022 21:26:19] WV-Umbra: *After them was their head medic, gunnery chief officer and gunnery assistant.*
[25.07.2022 21:27:02] WV-Umbra: *Gunnery chief, while huge in size, moved around the sections with a bit of clumsiness, not understanding at first what he had to do.*
[25.07.2022 21:27:39] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Follow the flashy lights on the floor.
[25.07.2022 21:27:54] WV-Umbra: Luma: Umbra is outfitted with relatively recently developed APC-EBS9000 propulsion systems. Bretonian Fusion Drives were discontinued approximately five years ago.
[25.07.2022 21:29:15] WV-Umbra: *After they were done, the remaining crew members of the Umbra continued to surrender their samples, all in parties of three.*
[25.07.2022 21:29:39] WV-Umbra: *Those who passed the proceedures, returned to their posts, awaiting further instructions from their commanding officer.*
[25.07.2022 21:30:07] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: And, that should be everyone, if I'm still capable of basic math. Steyr, the collars, depressurize non-essential areas.
[25.07.2022 21:30:52] WV-Umbra: Jeff: The last two are in. Luma, we're done here, at least for now. Close the docking extension.
[25.07.2022 21:31:00] WV-Umbra: Luma: Understood.
[25.07.2022 21:31:00] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Steyr: Aye, ma'am. Collars are detached, returning to vacuum state.
[25.07.2022 21:31:22] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Lawry, pull us away. Admiral, your turn. We'll be running profiles on the crew for a tick.
[25.07.2022 21:32:13] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Very well. Much obliged.
[25.07.2022 21:32:40] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Captain Asterius, can you give a general sitrep on crew morale, supplies on board and any other provisions.
[25.07.2022 21:33:24] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Sir, crew morale is acceptable. We don't have people climbing the walls and they still remain hopeful.
[25.07.2022 21:33:38] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Our supplies are sufficient for us to last two more weeks.
[25.07.2022 21:34:07] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Other than this ship, we possess one "Requiem"-class Snubcraft.
[25.07.2022 21:34:19] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Docked and secured in our docking bay.
[25.07.2022 21:35:11] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Good, I am glad to hear that. If there anything of immediate need that we could provide to make your temporary stay in Nu a bit more comfortable?
[25.07.2022 21:36:24] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Negative. My crew are a tough bunch, we had missions that included us sitting in the enemy backlines for at least two standard months.
[25.07.2022 21:36:28] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Please excuse me a moment. A priority comm is coming through from HQ.
[25.07.2022 21:36:46] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Vermont actual, mind taking the reigns here, a moment, Captain?
[25.07.2022 21:37:18] WV-Umbra: Jeff: However, we would appreciate extra food, water and oxygen supplies, as well as some fuel, because Midway's gravity is putting our thrusters to test.
[25.07.2022 21:37:32] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Those are going to have to come from the Navy.
[25.07.2022 21:38:11] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: sure Admiral.
[25.07.2022 21:38:50] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Jeff, when did you take command of the Umbra? Originally, not when you began seeking asylum?
[25.07.2022 21:39:51] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Approximately two years ago, ma'am. Shortly after her original captain left for Liberty due to growing tensions.
[25.07.2022 21:40:29] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Apologies for that.
[25.07.2022 21:40:33] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: And who might the original captain be? I have a sneaking suspicion I already know the answer.
[25.07.2022 21:40:39] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Supplies can and will be arranged, Captain.
[25.07.2022 21:40:58] WV-Umbra: Jeff: It's no secret. She's working for LPI now as an Assistant Commissioner.
[25.07.2022 21:41:22] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Her name is Tricia Reyes.
[25.07.2022 21:41:23] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Captain Jeff, what are your plans should Liberty grant you full asylum.
[25.07.2022 21:41:40] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Thought so.
[25.07.2022 21:42:10] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Should we be granted full asylum, we would like to pay forward with this ship's and my crew's combat capabilities.
[25.07.2022 21:42:39] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Who is going to pay for spares and replacement parts? You?
[25.07.2022 21:42:51] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I very much doubt that the Core, nor APM, are likely to supply them.
[25.07.2022 21:43:05] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: So your expecting to one day serve in the Military with this ship?
[25.07.2022 21:43:16] WV-Umbra: Jeff: You underestimate the paychecks we receive, Senior Agent.
[25.07.2022 21:43:44] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: And you vastly overestimate the combat capabilities of a Mako compared to an Overlord. If the Core, nor APM, are supplying spares, someone else is forced to.
[25.07.2022 21:44:06] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Indeed so, Captain. If we won't be accepted into the military directly, we would like to retain cooperative relationship.
[25.07.2022 21:44:21] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Be that Baltimore, Norfolk, you name it. Extra effort for less reward than simply printing out additional hull  panels for a vessel like the Vermont.
[25.07.2022 21:44:48] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: How do you feel the Republics citizens will feel having a Non Libertonian Capital ship roaming around?
[25.07.2022 21:45:30] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Questionable, at best. Yet we know it's not the first instance. But we would reduce our public presence to a minimum.
[25.07.2022 21:46:04] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Awfully hard to keep the presence of an entire battleship to the "minimum."
[25.07.2022 21:46:38] WV-Umbra: Jeff: It is, indeed.
[25.07.2022 21:46:45] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: If you were granted operational latitude within the Republic, would you have issues engaging in combat with any  group currently causing trouble within the Republic?
[25.07.2022 21:47:12] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Forgive me for being a bit bold here Agent and Admiral, but we tried this before with the now traitorous Amenhotep
[25.07.2022 21:47:27] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Negative, ma'am. As far as I'm concerned, the enemies of Liberty should be the enemies of the Core.
[25.07.2022 21:47:30] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: I do not support another possible defection on our hands.
[25.07.2022 21:47:47] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: A very valid concern, Captain Shepard.
[25.07.2022 21:48:04] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Captain Jeff, we have been in this instance before. We accept someone from the omicrons, give them rank and title.
[25.07.2022 21:48:12] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Vermont, secure comms.
[25.07.2022 21:48:19] 46th|LNS-Vermont: S: They abuse it, take knowledge and for what?
[25.07.2022 21:48:28] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: What assurances can you give us?
[25.07.2022 21:48:48] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Your "word" wont be enough.
[25.07.2022 21:49:00] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Naturally. I propose a failsafe.
[25.07.2022 21:49:21] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Umbra's systems, the vast majority of them, are controlled by an AI.
[25.07.2022 21:49:38] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I would suggest overriding my authority to the vessel.
[25.07.2022 21:50:10] WV-Umbra: Jeff: That way, would I even consider deserting from the Navy, me and my crew would die from lack of oxygen.
[25.07.2022 21:51:10] WV-Umbra: Jeff: The ship's owner has more authority over it than her captain.
[25.07.2022 21:51:10] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: You made this A.I yourself right?
[25.07.2022 21:51:58] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Negative. It's built-in into Umbra, most of the Core ships are outfitted with AI's to reduce crew requirements and improve overall combat capability.
[25.07.2022 21:53:02] WV-Umbra: Jeff: To register someone as a new owner, the previous owner has to agree to it.
[25.07.2022 21:53:40] WV-Umbra: Jeff: In case of possible defection from the Navy, I would have to override Luma. Yet I wouldn't be her owner.
[25.07.2022 21:53:48] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Her owner would be the Navy.
[25.07.2022 21:53:50] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: technology, even A.I has the ability to be overid.
[25.07.2022 21:54:01] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Admiral, what are your thoughts.
[25.07.2022 21:55:10] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Luma has layers upon layers of override protection. We can't simply shut her down, either.
[25.07.2022 21:55:23] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Shutting her down means shutting down our life support.
[25.07.2022 21:56:19] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Or maybe you want to have eyes and ears within the Navy for the Core. To many potential probabilities for disaster.
[25.07.2022 21:56:47] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Were that the case, I'd change my identity and joined the Navy.
[25.07.2022 21:56:55] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: If you want to prove me wrong your going to have to go through great strides.
[25.07.2022 21:57:41] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Showing up in a Core battleship and asking for asylum is a poor way to spy reliably.
[25.07.2022 21:57:57] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I was just going to say...
[25.07.2022 21:58:00] WV-Umbra: Jeff: As it stands out, LSF already has everything about us.
[25.07.2022 21:58:27] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Mhmm. Miles, you owe back-taxes, by the way. May want to get that one handled.
[25.07.2022 21:58:57] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Gramps? You have to excuse him, he's an old man who barely ever gets out of the machinery.
[25.07.2022 21:59:43] WV-Umbra: Jeff: He practically lives in there.
[25.07.2022 22:00:11] WV-Umbra: Jeff: But to return to your question, Captain. If I wanted to spy on you, I wouldn't be here.
[25.07.2022 22:00:20] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I'd already be a soldier in your fleet.
[25.07.2022 22:00:30] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I find myself doubting that.
[25.07.2022 22:00:49] WV-Umbra: Jeff: By that, I mean I wouldn't be known as the Core officer.
[25.07.2022 22:01:04] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Or any background that would tie me with the Core, or who I am really.
[25.07.2022 22:01:36] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Wanting asylum and keeping your ship are two different things. Is your desire for it so great you would be willing to give it up?
[25.07.2022 22:02:11] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Our initial desire was to prevent the Core from using it, in general. It remains still.
[25.07.2022 22:02:35] WV-Umbra: Jeff: My main goal is to keep this ship in the right hands. And to ensure that it keeps doing the right thing.
[25.07.2022 22:02:53] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Your right, the Navy's right, our right, and the Police's right can be entirely different.
[25.07.2022 22:03:30] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Indeed. The Core's right might as well be called Liberty's left at this point.
[25.07.2022 22:04:56] WV-Umbra: Jeff: But if I just wanted an asylum, the Umbra would've remained in Alabama's docks.
[25.07.2022 22:05:20] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Why didn't you destroy the ship and then flee? Time-delayed explosives, perhaps.
[25.07.2022 22:05:34] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: You get asylum, the Core gets a busted ship, everyone goes home happy.
[25.07.2022 22:05:53] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I've made a promise to her original owner. And I keep my promises.
[25.07.2022 22:06:06] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Awfully flimsy justification.
[25.07.2022 22:06:31] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: So, you believe, in part, that the Umbra's service record and capability to be of value to Liberty?
[25.07.2022 22:07:13] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Indeed so, sir.
[25.07.2022 22:07:58] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: in the hands of an actual Liberty Captain sure. But you know nothing of our battle tactics or strats. How It took me years to get to where I am and you just want to join up?
[25.07.2022 22:08:33] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: I find this very suspicious.
[25.07.2022 22:08:54] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: I'm going to pretend I didn't just hear the word "strats" over open comms. Jesus. Regardless, man has a point.
[25.07.2022 22:09:06] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Frankly, it took me years, too. I didn't just purchase this ship and go along for a ride, point my crew in "who-knows-where" direction.
[25.07.2022 22:09:48] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Hornady you know I am a woman right? Jesus, I thought the LSF knew everything!
[25.07.2022 22:10:04] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Everyone calls me "sir", it's my turn.
[25.07.2022 22:10:14] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: I guess so.
[25.07.2022 22:10:19] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Back to you Jeff.
[25.07.2022 22:10:21] WV-Umbra: Jeff: But subjective factors aside, me and my crew are willing to pass Liberty's military training.
[25.07.2022 22:10:39] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Training that takes years.
[25.07.2022 22:10:43] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: ...I need to make a call.
[25.07.2022 22:11:16] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Your willing to lose command of your ship for possibly five to ten plus years before the Admiralty gives you a commision?
[25.07.2022 22:11:37] WV-Umbra: Jeff: We've been in training in the Core for years, captain. The only difference is who we're trained against.
[25.07.2022 22:12:02] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Enough with this core retoric. We are not the Core, we are the Liberty Navy.
[25.07.2022 22:12:12] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: We dont operate the same way they do.
[25.07.2022 22:12:32] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: the word "core" is not some magic pass here.
[25.07.2022 22:12:53] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: We are a functioning Navy who the Republic relies on for us to protect them.
[25.07.2022 22:13:24] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Shepard makes a good point. Sure, the Core operate deep in the Omicrons and may well share in some of the values found in a fully functional, House Navy, but they are outright non-comparable.
[25.07.2022 22:14:19] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Neither are the tactics and strategies of the Security Force. We're not the Navy, and we don't fight like the Navy.
[25.07.2022 22:14:43] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: You could make the exact same comparison with our Intrusion Forces and your battlefleets. Different can be better.
[25.07.2022 22:14:57] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: The question becomes: is your brand of "different" usable?
[25.07.2022 22:15:20] WV-Umbra: Jeff: With all due respect, sir, our main training revolves around combating the Nomads and the Order.
[25.07.2022 22:15:35] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Sounds awfully useful to me.
[25.07.2022 22:15:37] WV-Umbra: Jeff: We also know how to handle the brutes like Corsairs.
[25.07.2022 22:16:19] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Some of us also have combat experience outside of the Core.
[25.07.2022 22:16:46] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I personally served in Bretonian Armed Forces reserve, right when the Gauls invaded Leeds.
[25.07.2022 22:17:16] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: In what capacity?
[25.07.2022 22:17:41] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I was a coordinator for strike wings.
[25.07.2022 22:17:55] WV-Umbra: Jeff: And no, I wasn't sitting in some comfy office.
[25.07.2022 22:18:01] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I was there, with them.
[25.07.2022 22:18:20] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Coordinator sounds awfuly like comfy office making calls but I digress.
[25.07.2022 22:19:12] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: This all comes to one important questions. Why should the Republic of Liberty accept your plea for asylum. How do we benefit.
[25.07.2022 22:19:47] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: The matter of asylum isn't our decision to make. That's a civilian matter, barring security issues.
[25.07.2022 22:19:55] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Lucky for you it isn't up to me.
[25.07.2022 22:20:07] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: The politicians back home have the final say.
[25.07.2022 22:20:07] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: The matter of allowing refugees to operate a warship in Republic space, however, -is- up to us.
[25.07.2022 22:20:14] WV-Umbra: Jeff: You gain a ship that is completely combat operational, and you get someone who's willing to arrange and pay for it's repairs.
[25.07.2022 22:20:49] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Your proposition is that we gain an independent vessel, with no ties to our own supply lines, and you gain... What?
[25.07.2022 22:20:53] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Citizenship?
[25.07.2022 22:21:11] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: You keep throwing around "asylum", and that implies we are obliged to protect you.
[25.07.2022 22:21:32] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Citizenship is bare minimum. Ideally, we would be serving Liberty to protect its interests.
[25.07.2022 22:21:47] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: As far as I can tell, you aren't actually seeking asylum. You're seeking our permission to operate your vessel within the borders of the Republic.
[25.07.2022 22:22:51] WV-Umbra: Jeff: For immediate now, what I am seeking is asylum. Serving Liberty is a long-term perspective.
[25.07.2022 22:22:53] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Amenhotep Mk2 It seems.
[25.07.2022 22:23:04] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: This is very dangerous.
[25.07.2022 22:24:05] WV-Umbra: Jeff: We had this discussion already, Captain.
[25.07.2022 22:24:17] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Frankly, the only way I'd be comfortable with this arrangement is if you were operating under the perview of the Security Force.
[25.07.2022 22:24:21] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Directly.
[25.07.2022 22:24:41] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: And this does not mean independent operation. It means Agents aboard your vessel, monitoring your operations.
[25.07.2022 22:24:54] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Naturally.
[25.07.2022 22:25:18] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Not to mention after going through the full term of West Point. Get you and your crew up to scratch with Standard Naval Procedures, protocols, etc.
[25.07.2022 22:25:29] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I am aware what "constant surveillance" means, Senior Agent.
[25.07.2022 22:25:43] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Naturally.
[25.07.2022 22:27:35] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Well Admiral, what are your orders.
[25.07.2022 22:27:35] WV-Umbra: Jeff: And yes, Fleet-Admiral, sir. My crew are ready to pass any necessary re-qualifications.
[25.07.2022 22:28:00] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Ahem. Anchorage, Vermont actuals, we're overdue. I'll leave this matter in your capable hands, for the moment.
[25.07.2022 22:28:00] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Standby, for now, Vermont actual.
[25.07.2022 22:28:21] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Copy, Willow Grove.
[25.07.2022 22:28:40] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: We're not throwing anything violently out of place when it comes to crew records, save for Grandpa owing a few thousand credits in unpaid taxes.
[25.07.2022 22:29:08] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Was there nothing else of concern, Senior Agent?
[25.07.2022 22:29:17] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I'll make sure these taxes will be paid, Senior Agent.
[25.07.2022 22:29:20] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Nothing of concern to me, no.
[25.07.2022 22:29:35] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Outstanding.
[25.07.2022 22:29:55] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: In that case, I see now reason why the Umbra can't moor up with the Oregon Surveyor, for now.
[25.07.2022 22:30:06] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Excellent.
[25.07.2022 22:30:11] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: If you'll excuse us.
[25.07.2022 22:30:15] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: I'm sure a change of scenery would be a welcome to yourself and the crew.
[25.07.2022 22:30:23] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Godspeed, Agent.
[25.07.2022 22:30:33] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Appreciate your help today.
[25.07.2022 22:30:33] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Safe skies, Senior Agent.
[25.07.2022 22:30:38] =LSF=Willow.Grove: Hornady: Any time.
[25.07.2022 22:31:11] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Captain Asterius, I'm sure you are aware of the location of the Supergate, correct?
[25.07.2022 22:31:18] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Even though we've gotten used to Omicrons, a relocation to something that fits the definition of "secure" would be appreciated.
[25.07.2022 22:31:31] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Understandable.
[25.07.2022 22:31:38] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Yes, sir. In fact, we can see it right now.
[25.07.2022 22:32:17] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Excellent. You will remain on board the Surveyor until such time as our Governing body comes to a decision as to what will become of you.
[25.07.2022 22:32:39] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Understood.
[25.07.2022 22:32:50] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: For continued security concerns, I do not wish the Umbra to operate within Liberty at this time.
[25.07.2022 22:33:13] WV-Umbra: Jeff: We understand your concern, and we agree.
[25.07.2022 22:33:43] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I would be suspicious if I were you, too. But that's how it is.
[25.07.2022 22:33:48] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Until we receive word from the Government with regards to your asylum, you will remain off the Umbra, which will be very closely guarded by the Vermont and her crew.
[25.07.2022 22:34:18] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Understood.
[25.07.2022 22:34:22] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Please proceed at best speed, Captain.
[25.07.2022 22:34:37] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: Vermont actual, escort the Umbra to her new location, if you would.
[25.07.2022 22:34:38] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Dai, plot the course to Oregon. We're going cruise.
[25.07.2022 22:34:57] WV-Umbra: Dai: Engaging cruise drivers.
[25.07.2022 22:35:07] 46th|LNS-Anchorage: Kemp-Smith: I have to send a communication through the Oregon's relay, I will catch up with you.
[25.07.2022 22:35:19] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Alright.
[25.07.2022 22:35:58] WV-Umbra: Jeff: I'll notify my men to gather their things.
[25.07.2022 22:36:40] WV-Umbra: Spike: Oregon in sight, cap.
[25.07.2022 22:36:59] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Disengage cruise drives.
[25.07.2022 22:37:05] 46th|LNS-Vermont: Shepard: Moore up and as the Admiral said, wait for the Republics word.
[25.07.2022 22:37:18] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Understood, captain. And thanks.
[25.07.2022 22:37:43] WV-Umbra: Jeff: Oregon, this is the Umbra. We're requesting permission to moor and board, over.
[25.07.2022 22:37:45] 2022-07-25 22:37:45 SMT  Traffic control alert: WV-Umbra has requested to dock

radio communications log:
end