Umbral Descent

[Chronicron]

"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.