*****GuildComm Activated***** 1. Name and vessel type: 'Tau Sentinel', Hydra Class
2. Area of operation: Tau 23 , Tau 37, large convoy escort
3. Mission: Maiden voyage/shakedown cruise.
4. Hostiles encountered: Junker smuggling transport.
5. Casualties on both sides: Said junker
John Sanders reporting, commanding the new IMG Hydra class gunboat "Tau Sentinel". As a former British Armed Forces recruit chief Erynel felt me better suited for the role then himself. Or, to put it in his words, he "hates them bloody warships". Regardless, with some final parts brought from Liberty space she is finally ready for service. Our maiden voyage was an eventful one, to say the least.
We set out with our vessel from her berth at Jakarta, to test basic flight systems, tune her engines, and adjust her targeting systems. The yard did a fine job, but final modifications are always best done in service. While enroute to Java we encountered another Hydra, the gunboat "Serene Freedom". She had stopped a junker smuggler loaded with Cardamine. I asked if they needed assistance, and was asked to remain. After a brief, and somewhat confusing conversation the smuggler was told to drop the Cardamine and leave the area unharmed. He tried to leave without dropping the drugs, and despite numerous warnings, attempted to evade. We were forced to destroy the transport, and the cardamine was burned along with it.
After this and some rather gruff commentary from said junker from his pod (which I subsequently used to tune our comm system, especially volume moderation and muting) we headed back to Jakarta for some final modifications. The Serene Freedom then engaged in a friendly spar with us to give our weapons and shield systems a proper test. She passed, 'though her crew is definately in need of additional training.
For now she is moored at Jakarta base with instructions to assist in it's defense and ward the mining grounds against pirates. We carry explicit orders not to pursue any harassers beyond the Freeport 10-Tau 37 sun line (about midsystem), or within 7.5 K of Cali should the enemy disengage and flee there. Her only reason for ever leaving the Tau systems should be convoy escort, or explicit orders from IMG defense command.
*****GuildComm Deactivated*****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.