Reforging the Blade

[Heuschrecke]

Omega Three was a boring star system. One planet, orbiting one star, the odd station and a light splattering of asteroids. the only bit of colour in the whole place was the blue emissions from the star and the pale blue ice nebula the opposite side of the system. Though, quiet was good for the crew of the Fafnir. The Hessians had been an unwelcome omen for some, especially with the escort losses they had suffered. As things were, the crew wasn't in the worst possible position. The vessel was fully intact and there was nothing in range of the carrier. It was almost peaceful.

Heimirich had grown bored of staring out into space, what with the recent orders coming through two days prior. The Roc had been repaired to full working order and its pilot had received their clean bill of health, her injuries having mostly been tended to since the moment she touched down. What did him little good was the concern that they were excessively vulnerable now. Imperial Shipping Security vessels were normally either wings or escorted improvised warships. This carrier was one of such improvisations. Its armament was highly defence orientated, yet packed enough punch to just about take the fight to an enemy. There was, of course, only so much one warship could do though. Heavy assets normally struggled with bomber and fighter wings, including sometimes several fielded gunboat class vessels. Mandatory that anti heavy capital bombers were a part of the fleet. The Jaeger elites were exactly that. Were.

What affected him the most was that there was no comms chatter, on any line they had. not even the wide band had anything. it was as though the entire system had gone sleep. He checked the time, before standing up and walking out to the front of the ship turning to face the crew and address every hand on board. It was time to pay respects to the fallen, address the current situation and to bid all non-essential overnight crew a good night.

"This is captain Hase, to all personnel. I would like some moments of your time this evening, to remember those who laid down their lives so that our mission could continue onwards. Three valiant souls, our escorts and saviours, protected us to their last breath. They beat back the Hessians and hounded them away, buying us precious time to get clear from the ambush. One of their number remains, Katie has been treated and made a full recovery. I'd like us all to raise our next glass in their names, for their service to the cause and our respect for their sacrifice."

He paused for a few moments, in silence remembering each of their faces, shaking their hands, debriefing them on the situation and their purpose. Each of their faces burned into his memory, each life lost a painful reminder of how life could be ripped away at a moments notice. He continued on:

"We have a few days before rendezvous with our reinforcements. In the meantime, all non-essential crew members are to return to their quarters as per their idle hours. Night shift will take over essential hands to maintain stations throughout as normal. Rest easy everyone, we are still in a secure position."

He bowed his head, before shutting off the internal broadcasting systems and sitting himself back down. They had a long night ahead of them, and a few days before they could move forwards but they were in a spot where there was hardly any traffic. No one had chanced upon them thus far. There was no reason to suspect anyone would bump into them.