--- Filed by
--- Pilot: John Brannigan
--- Callsign: CFC_Infinity
--- Assignment: CFC Research and Reconnaisance, Expedition Atalante
Salve!
I am currently the only bomber pilot assigned to the CFC. As such my priorites lie with recon and data collection as well as the default defensive priorities all Order personnel follow. Today these responsibilities intermingled as a nomad morph was spotted near Toledo.
At the time there were significant Order forces assembled - primarily capital ships - but engaged in combat drills and unsuitable for chasing a small nomad through the asteroid fields anyway.
The nomad stayed at the edge of our sensors, so I began a search pattern in the general direction of the Alaska jumphole. The nomad was clearly aware of this as it kept its distance. After moving out of range, however, I was able to circle around and trap it between Toledo and myself, finally catching up at a distance of about 10 km from our world and the orbiting fleet.
Having been caught, the nomad was found to be peacable and even docile, though it was careful to keep a larger asteroid in between our craft, to obstruct the line of fire. In accordance with the CFC's scientific goals, I successfully contacted the nomad morph. Summary of the contact below. Contamination report below. Engagement report follows.
Engagement
After the nomad began showing signs of hostility - no weapons fire at this stage - I requested fighter assistance from Toledo. Agent Callister_Andrews quickly responded and joined me.
When the communication became too intense I decided to terminate it by eliminating the Nomad, declaring weapons free.
Andrews provided excellent cover while the morph, far more manoeuverable than my craft, chased me. Thus, after a comparatively brief firefight and with moderate damage sustained by my ship, we were able to subdue the hostile.
Unfortunately, we were left without any useable sample materials or even debris of any kind; with its veil destroyed, the morph was vaporised when struck by a nuclear mine I had deployed.
Contact / Intelligence
Prior to the engagement, myself and, later on, agent Andrews, were able to communicate with the morph for several minutes. As is usual, contact and content is sketchy, but still of potential interest. In summary:
The morph came to deliver a warning - this might explain its initially peaceful demeanour. In essence, it was a threat against our - mankinds - continued expansion into what the nomads consider their territory.
Quote:[...] 'Slomon-K'hara' ... moving ...
Slomon-K'hara ... not ... like ... -visitors- ...
... 'visitors' ... steal ... Slomon-K'hara ... space
The same said Slomon-K'hara can, it seems, see the future and has, according to its messenger, seen the death of mankind.
The contact was terminated forcefully at this point. A powerful, even painful vision of a burning planet was sent. Not wanting to risk a loss of control or permanent damage, I hence gave the order to engage the nomad.
Our intent being realised, the nomad took flight, opening fire almost immediately. The distraction was enough to weaken the link. Shortly thereafter we gained the upper hand. See Engagement.
I would like to note that, as we exited the nebula on our way home, I recognised the world shown to us. It was Toledo. Burnt to a cinder. I would also like to note that most nomads, safe for those within human society, are generally unfamiliar with the concepts of deceit and misinformation.
Truthfulness aside, the nomads may well be convinced that they can, and maybe even have to, torch human worlds and perhaps entire systems including our home. Even if they overestimate their capabilities in this regard, this would still suggest the possibility and likelihood of a mass invasion by the nomads.
Contamination
Given the duration and intensity of our contact, both agent Andrews and myself agreed to execute quarantine protocols. I am writing this report on a pad in an isolation chamber of one of the containment facilities on Toledo, hoping the medical staff will submit it in my name.
My wingman was cleared by medics aboard the Isis shortly after our engagement. His exposure, it seems, was not as severe.
I should be able to resume my duties by tomorrow, so far there is no indication of any permanent side-effects from this encounter.
