Echoes of an Inferno

[Tartarus Legion]

---

Several months and several failed attempts later

The high command were holding a meeting. They could not continue to waste time and resources on an arduous task while living like nomads. Polyphemus' briefing room would light once again and people would poor in, the Lord Commander waiting in his chair looking tired and disappointed with the results they were bringing. His calm composure and discipline however didn't let his emerging emotions get the best of him yet, another plan he was working on would finally be unveiled. Rou and the Redeemer were sent away on a mission not long after they returned to Vespucci, a scheme the two friends worked together to save time and ease the disappointment if the primary objective failed. Soon, every seat in the room was filled and the meeting would begin.

"-How are things looking people? Where are we standing?" Markus opened the conversation in a cold manner. Hera, the AI, was silently observing from the middle of the holographic table. The logistics officers along with the maintenance HoD stood up and started explaining in detail using the holographic projector the dead end they hit was not recent but for some time now and no work arounds were able to get them positive results. Markus crossed his arms while examining the information in front of him; their supplies dwindling and they were nowhere near into getting anything of value besides scrap metal and rocks in Vespucci. His hand, rubbing his forehead, presents a perhaps annoyed Lord Commander to his subordinates, He erases everything on the holographic table and looks at Hera. "Load Daniel's files." The projector immediately sprang to life, showing data taken by Daniel on his away mission. "After everything I've seen today I am convinced that if we are ever to restore the Legion to its former glory we need to move to greener pastures." The Omegas are home to their old allies, the Hessians, and were richer both in natural resources and traffic compared to Vespucci. Daniel was away in the Omegas, updating the charts and marking down anything of importance after the failed attempt to reach Dublin. "Ronneburg is where we're headed to properly maintain our ships and afterwards we'll see if we can setup a frontier in Omega-3" This journey had minimal risk and offered plenty in return, one could say as if it was meant to happen. They would finally get a relative safe space and the materials to get started. The meeting ended with everyone hastily leaving the room and Markus would light his cigar while gazing the fleet from the window.

It has began, every able body was making preparations for departure, only this time it was certain. Sirens signalling drills were going off across the ship, all Legionnaires ready and accounted for and Polyphemus's engines would roar more fiercely as systems were constantly passing checks. It was time to go.

Tartarus Stage 2, Settlement.

A safe haven, that is what most would say is Ronneburg to them. After a long journey that demanded body and spirit they would finally reach a destination that could provide fresh feelings for the weary legionnaires. Transports flocking to the nearest mooring point looking to release refugees to their new temporary home but for some it would be permanent, unmanned drones launching to service the old hull of the Polyphemus while the Redeemer was guarding the station's perimeter, ensuring no unpleasant surprises.

Not long after their arrival, command was already discussing with the Hessian leadership of the station the terms of their hospitality. Ronneburg was the frontline on the Corsair front and prolonging their stay there proposed risks, mainly of security and resources. The Legion was to fend for its people and perhaps offer some compensation for occupying their space along with the mutual defence of the station. The two parties would also share information of the region, giving valuable details on the traffic in nearby areas. The legionnaires had decades of experience fighting all sorts of elements and were expected to aid the Hessian movement in the region against the Corsairs. Apart from that, Legion was permitted a few hangars for its needs and access to the station's infrastructure, allowing them to recycle and manufacture basic repair items that were vital for their ships. That was the most the Hessians could do given the fact the Legion was almost wiped out and their only bargaining chip was experience, nevertheless the Hessians held true to their word and honored past relations.

The high command accepted this temporary solution to their problem and began working on a new station schematic that would house the entirety of them. A different type of structure from what they're used to, a structure that would allow them to remain hidden and easily expand in the future. Hangars, foundries, hydroponics, solar & fuel generators, a robust ventilation & oxygenation system as well as enough housing compartments for the entirety of them. A modular construction such as this could be built piece by piece at a time and later towed and assembled on site. Such was the vision of the last true remnants, through the fire they would be reborn, a new Legion - Tartarus. A difficult future awaits them and only through sheer will they will be able to succeed.

---

Libera te ex Infernis,
Tartarus Legion