»UPLINK: ICN FIRESTORM, INCURSUS NODE

[Amy West]

connection.established..
activating.Legion.Node.Communications..
Incursus.Node.authorized..
secure.link.node.enclosed..
displaying.message..

---

[SECURE - GREEN]

Jameson and I joined Lieutenant Crowe and one of the mainline Technocrat crew in Erie orbit, reports about a Navy gunship paling around where it wasn't welcome. Crowe spotted first, relaying us to join.

Fighting took a backseat as we got the ship's pilot to start spilling beans. Captain, freshly promoted; Must be a quick riser, if he was still in classes during Duskstorm. Seemed at first we were getting through to him, only concerned with public safety. Man would've made a good Legionnaire back in the day. Bit tunnel visioned, though, and not quite able, or willing, to see reality past his 'orders'.

We gave him time to think before opening up, and I'd bet he'll have plenty more while he's in medical. Here's hoping he takes this in a good light, though I won't blame him if he's a bit salty for a while.
Probably should've asked his name, though. 'Captain' is a bit generic.

Comm logs attached. Report filed under GREEN level encryption.

Comm Logs

[13.08.2024 02:07:39] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Bold of you to fly that thing here.
[13.08.2024 02:07:48] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Space junk located.
[13.08.2024 02:07:51] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Got a whole system that wants you and your's dead.
[13.08.2024 02:07:59] A/)-Yoruha?: Good to see you again, Bellamy.
[13.08.2024 02:08:06] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Is it? Or wouldn't it be just me following orders?
[13.08.2024 02:08:11] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Good to be seen, I've been.. busy.
[13.08.2024 02:08:14] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Follow them elsewhere.
[13.08.2024 02:08:33] A/)-Yoruha?: Following Orders in a place like this, while bearing the Star and Stripes is foolish.
[13.08.2024 02:08:43] 1st|LNS-Crockett: We got some new pilots in the area. I'm just making sure they don't need any assistance
[13.08.2024 02:08:47] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Following orders, the timeless cry of the guilty masquerading as bystanders.
[13.08.2024 02:08:49] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: They don't.
[13.08.2024 02:09:57] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: I'm certain the people of Pennsylvania can look out for themselves.
[13.08.2024 02:12:37] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: In any case, Crockett, serve and protect is a piss-poor excuse for flying patrol in a hostile system.
[13.08.2024 02:12:54] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I think it's a pretty good reason to be fair
[13.08.2024 02:13:38] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: These people have lived here over a century without the Republic's "help". They'll manage.
[13.08.2024 02:14:06] 1st|LNS-Crockett: A little bit of help wouldn't hurt though
[13.08.2024 02:14:30] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Tell that to the people whose lives your Republic destroyed.
[13.08.2024 02:15:42] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Look man, times are changing. New leadership has been established. Pirates are everywhere. Work needs to be done
[13.08.2024 02:16:00] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Do it somewhere you're welcome.
[13.08.2024 02:16:03] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: You ain't here.
[13.08.2024 02:16:25] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: The Commonwealth was doing a fine job of keeping Liberty's underworld in check until you butchered them with Knight's help.
[13.08.2024 02:16:31] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Can't help it if my patrol route includes penn
[13.08.2024 02:16:52] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: I'll be more direct. Do you want a patrol route to follow tomorrow?
[13.08.2024 02:17:21] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Probably, A day off wouldn't hurt
[13.08.2024 02:17:46] A/)-Yoruha?: Prosecuting Freelancer Mitashki.
[13.08.2024 02:17:46] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: How much leave do they give you if you lose your gunship? Assuming you make it to the pods in time.
[13.08.2024 02:17:48] A/)-Yoruha?: Dropping the hammer.
[13.08.2024 02:18:48] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: More than happy to help you earn that Purple Heart.
[13.08.2024 02:19:05] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Honestly, they'll probably just shove me into another ship
[13.08.2024 02:19:15] A/)-Yoruha?: Learn your place, Freelancer.
[13.08.2024 02:19:24] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: What's a few million credits for a new gunship, yea?
[13.08.2024 02:19:27] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: They'll just... shove you in another ship? That doesn't seem a little off to you?
[13.08.2024 02:20:22] 1st|LNS-Crockett: It is a little off puting but I used to be a Freelancer once, I can't remeber how many times I've been attacked by pirates...
[13.08.2024 02:20:48] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Just for trying to put food on the table
[13.08.2024 02:21:05] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: You're not just trying to put food on the table anymore; you're trying to keep it off of others.
[13.08.2024 02:21:18] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: That means you're up against enemies more competent and organized than pirates.
[13.08.2024 02:21:45] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Innocent pilots all accross here get attacked by Rouges, Xenos, and so many others. Who'll fight for them?
[13.08.2024 02:22:04] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: We will, as will the people of Erie themselves. Like I said, we were doing just fine before you came along.
[13.08.2024 02:22:38] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I'm not just talking about here. But you guys also had a huge security problem too.
[13.08.2024 02:22:39] A/)-Yoruha?: We will. Auxesia and Prometheus have no desire to aid and abet degenerates and scum of the void like the Xenos and the sort.
[13.08.2024 02:23:55] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I just want to help keep Liberty safe. Innocent pilots are attacked here just as much as they are anywhere else.
[13.08.2024 02:23:55] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: How long have you been flying?
[13.08.2024 02:24:09] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I've been a captain for a couple of months now...
[13.08.2024 02:24:19] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: A couple of months. And how long as a freelancer before that?
[13.08.2024 02:24:50] 1st|LNS-Crockett: On an off for a few years
[13.08.2024 02:24:57] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Alright, a few years.
[13.08.2024 02:25:19] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: So you weren't even around for the fall of the Commonwealth and subjugation of the Legion to Knight and her junta.
[13.08.2024 02:25:28] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: That explains some things, I suppose.
[13.08.2024 02:25:51] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I was still in school at the time.
[13.08.2024 02:26:47] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Count yourself lucky you missed it.
[13.08.2024 02:26:56] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: A lot of people didn't.
[13.08.2024 02:27:10] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: And I'm not talking on the bluey side.
[13.08.2024 02:27:20] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I agree it was a dark time for everyone
[13.08.2024 02:27:34] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: You agree.
[13.08.2024 02:27:44] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: So you'll agree that the Republic's actions at the time naturally have consequences.
[13.08.2024 02:27:49] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: We /are/ those consequences.
[13.08.2024 02:28:34] A/)-Yoruha?: The manifestations of House Liberty's ever-encroaching reach are that those who desire not to be a part of it, are inevitably
[13.08.2024 02:28:37] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Well, I'll be honest. I don't see myself being able to take on 3 of you...
[13.08.2024 02:28:40] A/)-Yoruha?: forced to fight for their sovereignty.
[13.08.2024 02:28:47] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Delaware was full of a bunch of rookies, mate.
[13.08.2024 02:28:56] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Should probably show you how Liberty treats its fodder.
[13.08.2024 02:29:10] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Gettysburg all over again.
[13.08.2024 02:29:15] A/)-Yoruha?: The people of Erie did not want a fight with Liberty. And yet now, they are imprisoned in their own home planet, by an
[13.08.2024 02:29:18] A/)-Yoruha?: oppressive regime.
[13.08.2024 02:29:23] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I can't help want others did in the past. I can only try my best to set an example for those to come after me.
[13.08.2024 02:29:31] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Then you're on the wrong side.
[13.08.2024 02:29:32] A/)-Yoruha?: You are a cog in the machine that propagates that oppression.
[13.08.2024 02:29:41] A/)-Yoruha?: Do you feel pride, knowing that, Libertonian?
[13.08.2024 02:29:47] A/)-Yoruha?: Or shame?
[13.08.2024 02:30:11] A/)-Yoruha?: Contrary to what your betters may tell you, we Auxesians do have what you would call, a heart.
[13.08.2024 02:30:12] 1st|LNS-Crockett: What side would be right? Seems like no side is without its flaws.
[13.08.2024 02:30:24] TFP)-Catalyst!: entering penny now
[13.08.2024 02:30:26] A/)-Yoruha?: So incarcerating civilians in internment camps is justifiable to you.
[13.08.2024 02:30:32] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: We have honesty.
[13.08.2024 02:30:57] A/)-Yoruha?: Civilians who even if, some are sympathetic or were to have set foot on Guadalajara as refugees at one point - are still
[13.08.2024 02:30:59] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Doubtful that anyone on the Delaware had any idea where they were heading. Probably thought it was a crusade against evil.
[13.08.2024 02:30:59] A/)-Yoruha?: innocent.
[13.08.2024 02:31:08] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: They got a hammer in the face and unmarked graves.
[13.08.2024 02:31:27] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: What'd they tell you about the militants here, hm?
[13.08.2024 02:31:28] TFP)-Catalyst!: Oh, look at this.
[13.08.2024 02:31:37] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: They're 'rebels fighting against authority'?
[13.08.2024 02:31:46] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: They don't abide by the law?
[13.08.2024 02:32:04] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: News flash, the Republic broke the treaty, not them.
[13.08.2024 02:32:13] 1st|LNS-Crockett: That they're terrorists who attack helpless civilians
[13.08.2024 02:32:14] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: False flag op, fake justification.
[13.08.2024 02:32:21] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Bull. Fucking. Shit.
[13.08.2024 02:32:35] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: I've flown op after op, not a civvy lost.
[13.08.2024 02:32:46] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: I've seen them work, and they know the game.
[13.08.2024 02:32:59] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: I've seen Liberty work, first hand, and it ain't even close.
[13.08.2024 02:33:37] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Take a picture of anything the LPI are doing down there on Erie and compare it to the sitch up here.
[13.08.2024 02:33:40] A/)-Yoruha?: Manzanar. Auschwitz. Tarrafal. Davao.
[13.08.2024 02:33:53] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: It ain't even close.
[13.08.2024 02:33:58] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: It's a fucking war crime.
[13.08.2024 02:34:04] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: And it's indefensible.
[13.08.2024 02:34:04] A/)-Yoruha?: All places where much like Erie, to varying degrees, the innocent were sent to toil, or worse.
[13.08.2024 02:34:27] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: They knew they blew the gates when they had the LSF shoot refugee ships in Cortez.
[13.08.2024 02:34:34] A/)-Yoruha?: All because they sought refuge in the Commonwealth - or fled from a burning Leeds, or sought refuge under the Zoner banner.
[13.08.2024 02:34:36] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: They knew it would look like shit for their rep.
[13.08.2024 02:34:42] TFP)-Catalyst!: The Republic'll go down in history as havin' deserved everything it got.
[13.08.2024 02:34:45] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: So they're doing it where the press can't find them.
[13.08.2024 02:34:47] Tip: Did you end up lost? Can't find your way back? Use the Interactive NavMap on our forums.
[13.08.2024 02:35:06] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: You've got clearance, you can see for yourself, or ask your contemporaries.
[13.08.2024 02:35:09] A/)-Yoruha?: The hell that is Planet Erie, is of Liberty's creation.
[13.08.2024 02:35:10] TFP)-Catalyst!: And if you don't lay down arms, that includes you.
[13.08.2024 02:35:19] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: I'll be on the right side of history when you figure out your mistake.
[13.08.2024 02:35:46] A/)-Yoruha?: Your 'president' is a despot propped up by corporate oligopolies and plutocratic scum, who use you, and people like you..
[13.08.2024 02:35:47] A/)-Yoruha?: as a cudgel.
[13.08.2024 02:36:47] A/)-Yoruha?: If House Liberty is a Democracy, then the Guildmaster of the Core is a clown.
[13.08.2024 02:36:47] 1st|LNS-Crockett: So, let's put aside the dramatics for a second. What do you honestly think someone in my shoes should do?
[13.08.2024 02:36:58] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Depends on the size of their conscious.
[13.08.2024 02:37:07] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Or the size of your balls.
[13.08.2024 02:37:24] A/)-Yoruha?: Surrender your vessel to Prometheus. Desert the Liberty Navy, and never return.
[13.08.2024 02:37:30] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Should I l just give up and continue to sit by as more innocent lives get killed by pirates?
[13.08.2024 02:37:45] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: We piss on pirates.
[13.08.2024 02:38:03] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I still see them everywhere I go.
[13.08.2024 02:38:03] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Hell, the Exarchy might even let you keep your gunship.
[13.08.2024 02:38:16] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: I wouldn't have any issue with it.
[13.08.2024 02:38:23] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Long as he knows who to hit.
[13.08.2024 02:38:48] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: The bot might have words, but this kind of thing exudes efficiency.
[13.08.2024 02:39:02] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: And that's good for us.
[13.08.2024 02:39:48] 1st|LNS-Crockett: So, let's say hypothetically I surrender my ship. In the grand scheme of things, does it make a difference?
[13.08.2024 02:40:04] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Considering what the Commonwealth once accomplished? I believe so.
[13.08.2024 02:40:15] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: I choose to believe that we have a fighting chance. I wouldn't be here if not.
[13.08.2024 02:40:21] TFP)-Catalyst!: I'll tell you right now that it makes just as much of a difference as the effort you put in.
[13.08.2024 02:40:34] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: More than the sum of its parts.
[13.08.2024 02:41:01] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Every life I save makes a difference to someone. Me giving up my ship to you doesn't help you.
[13.08.2024 02:41:02] A/)-Yoruha?: You have two options here. You can surrender your vessel, or we will rip it asunder. Either or, the Crockett is not coming
[13.08.2024 02:41:04] A/)-Yoruha?: out of this favorably.
[13.08.2024 02:41:26] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: At least, in Liberty's eyes.
[13.08.2024 02:41:42] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Doesn't help us? Where'd you get that idea?
[13.08.2024 02:41:47] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: And who's to say we don't save lives.
[13.08.2024 02:42:00] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: I spent that whole damn siege saving lives.
[13.08.2024 02:42:02] A/)-Yoruha?: At least, for Liberty.
[13.08.2024 02:42:03] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: And I'm not done yet.
[13.08.2024 02:42:31] 1st|LNS-Crockett: What lives do you save from taking my ship? I'm not oppresing anybody on Eire, I'm not killing civilians. What good does it do?
[13.08.2024 02:42:47] TFP)-Catalyst!: You're a part of the system that does.
[13.08.2024 02:42:54] A/)-Yoruha?: You contribute to the oppression by supporting the defense of the forces that are directly engaging in said oppression.
[13.08.2024 02:43:02] A/)-Yoruha?: How many times must we drive this point home.
[13.08.2024 02:43:19] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: You think you need to be personally holding a gun to someone's head to be an instrument of the machine with the arm?
[13.08.2024 02:43:29] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: That's naive. I thought you said you went to school.
[13.08.2024 02:43:44] 1st|LNS-Crockett: And you contibute to oppression by attacking those who give their lives to protect others from oppression...
[13.08.2024 02:43:48] A/)-Yoruha?: All in the collectives that manifest in this world contribute in some degree. All are intersectional.
[13.08.2024 02:43:56] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: We haven't shot you, have we?
[13.08.2024 02:44:02] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: I've heard about enough, if that's what you really believe.
[13.08.2024 02:44:07] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: It's your call, West.
[13.08.2024 02:44:11] A/)-Yoruha?: I second the notion, Bellamy.
[13.08.2024 02:44:13] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: You're reasonable.
[13.08.2024 02:44:15] TFP)-Catalyst!: Aye.
[13.08.2024 02:44:25] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: I don't want to shoot reasonable people.
[13.08.2024 02:44:26] A/)-Yoruha?: Blackjack, I engage on your mark.
[13.08.2024 02:44:41] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Tell you what.
[13.08.2024 02:44:44] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I'll exit the system, I have no hope of winning this
[13.08.2024 02:44:51] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Once you recover, take a good look at those camps in Erie.
[13.08.2024 02:44:56] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Nuh uh.
[13.08.2024 02:45:02] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Can't leave it looking sus.
[13.08.2024 02:45:08] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Besides,
[13.08.2024 02:45:09] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Sorry, kiddo.
[13.08.2024 02:45:13] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Looking sus?
[13.08.2024 02:45:16] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: You've made it clear, you'll follow your orders straight back.
[13.08.2024 02:45:29] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Gotta keep up appearances.
[13.08.2024 02:45:34] 1st|LNS-Crockett: I'll follow legal orders.
[13.08.2024 02:45:44] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Ooo, legal.
[13.08.2024 02:45:45] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Then follow them to your grave.
[13.08.2024 02:45:48] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: If you want.
[13.08.2024 02:45:50] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: So the orders you were issued here were illegal?
[13.08.2024 02:45:54] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Otherwise, we're just a call away.
[13.08.2024 02:45:56] 1st|LNS-Crockett: If I'm ever ordered to oppress civilians. I'll tell you now those orders would go unfollowed
[13.08.2024 02:46:08] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Level it.
[13.08.2024 02:46:09] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: You aid and abet that oppression by your very presence here.
[13.08.2024 02:46:12] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: Going weapons free.
[13.08.2024 02:46:12] TFP)-Catalyst!: About time.
[13.08.2024 02:46:14] A/)-Yoruha?: Yoruha, engaging.
[13.08.2024 02:46:22] A/)-Yoruha?: Prosecuting LNS Crockett.
[13.08.2024 02:46:28] 1st|LNS-Crockett: Well I guess it's tango time
[13.08.2024 02:47:43] A/)-Yoruha?: Burn.
[13.08.2024 02:47:46] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Sorry, kiddo.
[13.08.2024 02:47:50] 1st|LNS-Crockett died to A/)-Yoruha? (37%)
[13.08.2024 02:47:50] Assisted by: TFP)-Blackjack, (35%), TFP)-Catalyst! (17%)
[13.08.2024 02:47:51] TFP)-Blackjack,: W: Enjoy your Purple Heart.
[13.08.2024 02:47:51] A/)-Yoruha?: LNS Crockett. Sunk/
[13.08.2024 02:48:03] TFP)-Bellamy.Crowe: That's a wrap, then

Libera te ex Infernis.

West, out.

message.playback.concluded..
disconnecting..

---

---

"The truth's always harder to swallow than a simple white lie.."
Join the Fight