HFB-Polyphemus

[Charos]

//The following are in-faction information and can't be used by any other than [HF] members or unless I give information ingame.

Enter Access Code:
********************
Password Accepted
ID: Markus Brass
Rank: Fleet Commander

Receiving video feed from Recon Drone 001

Ship's Callsign: [HF]-HFB-Polyphemus
Role: Experimental battle-carrier
Status: Active
Location: Magellan

Strikecraft Wing Status

Nemea-1: Operational
Nemea-2: Operational
Nemea-3: Damaged
Nemea-4: Operational
Nemea-5: Operational
Nemea-6: Operational

Armaments & Special Equipment

• Capital Armor Upgrade MK8
  
• 3x C-48 "Cerberus" Battleship Turret
  
• 4x H4-X "Firelance" Hellfire Legion Battleship Primary Turret
  
• 8x UB3-R-H4-X "Hailstorm" Hellfire Legion Battleship Secondary Turret
  
• 2x Flak Turrets
  
• "Hermes" Cloak Emitter
  
• "NEMESIS" Electronic Jamming Device
  
• "ZEUS" EMP Emitter
  
• "APOLLO" Long Range Scanner
  

Polyphemus's First Voyage

Polyphemus was in the plans for a few years before it's construction in 817 AS. It received the name "Polyphemus" because there were many discussions involving it, both positive and negative. Some were saying that the resources were scarce and shouldn't be used on a project of this scale while others believed that this would be a huge step for the Legion. It was planned to have enormous carrier bays, capable of fitting 6 strikecrafts (mostly bombers), armed with some of the most devastating anti-capital arrays and close-range support weapons in combination with the special equipment, this ship would be a killer.

It's construction was completed early in January 819 AS. It's first deployment happened in Magellan under the command of Fleet Admiral William Draxton and his second in command, Fleet Captain Markus Brass. It's first task was to intercept a convoy of slavers who were approaching Freeport 4 from the Leeds jumphole. Polyphemus was lurking in the nebula with the scanner and comms jammer active and the fighters on standby for launch.

Several minutes later, the convoy jumped through to Magellan. With communications and scanners malfunctioning, they were on alert for potential hazards. Soon, the Nemea wing was launched to intercept and pin the convoy while boarding crafts were approaching to seize their ships. With excellent coordination that was provided from Polyphemus's bridge, the damages were kept to a minimum and the slaves were liberated and the slavers were dropped off at the IMG officials on Freeport 4. The slaves which were mostly of Bretonian origin, left to find their homes and those who were from the borderworlds were accepted at the Legion colonies of Guadalajara in Vespucci system.

After the assignment's successful completion, the Engineering Corps were amazed by the efficiency of the project many detested few years ago and began implementing several of it's characteristics to other designs.

Two weeks later, Fleet Admiral Draxton retired at the age of 64 his last words were: "This is the end of the line for me, I've seen a lot of fighting and many people younger than me lose their lives. It's time to put down the arms and live the rest of my life as peaceful as I can." and went on to live the rest of his life on Guadalajara. Fleet Captain Markus Brass was promoted to Fleet Commander and was given the command of Polyphemus per request from Fleet Admiral Draxton.

Ship's logs have been updated. Saving under "Ship History" and encrypting...

Complete.

Logging off...

---

Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.

[Charos]

Enter Access Code:
*****************
Password Accepted
ID: Markus Brass
Rank: Fleet Commander

Opening file: "Markus Brass Biography"
File was created 8 years ago

Personal Biography

[color=orange]Name: Markus Brass
Age: 32
Station: Polyphemus Commander

Born in 787 AS on a transport ship that was heading to New London system, at Waterloo station. He was raised in a normal family and was residing onboard Waterloo for 17 years. At the age of 17, he began space travelling onboard a small freighter from Liberty under the command of Alicia Keyes. He was offered a job onboard as a cargo handler since he had little to no experience with piloting. The travels remained the same over the years, shipping goods from Bretonia to Liberty and back through jumpgates and sometimes the more risky jumpholes and he had plenty of time to learn how to pilot a ship.

After 3 years of working on the freighter, he had to quit because the freighter was old and was deemed unsafe for the transportation of cargo or people. He was dropped off at Freeport 4 and Alicia and the rest of the crew went on a trip back to their homes in Liberty. With the savings he had, he managed to live for some time on Freeport 4 but that didn't satisfy him. There was a rumour that the infamous Hellfire Legion that was opposing the Liberty forces were secretly getting their supplies and recruits from Freeport 4. Without giving it a second thought he requested to join their ranks and was accepted.

After two days, they finally set off for Vespucci, the Legion's homesystem. The security was very tight, with a dreadnought, numerous weapon platforms and patrols guarding the jumphole. The freighter set a course to Fort Leniex after receiving authorization from Ravager. The few recruits that were onboard stood still untill they reached the stronghold where there would be decided what role they would be.

After passing the initiation, he was assigned onboard Iblis under the command of William Draxton. After that- ......$$$$$$$$%#$#$#($*#$#&$*#$&*#$#^$#$#$#$#$#$#$#$#$#@#@#$%^$#$#%#

DATA CORRUPTED
Restoring backup.... FAILED

Ship's logs have been updated. Saving under "Ship Crew Biographies" and encrypting...

Complete.

Logging off...

---

Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.

[Pancakes]

Enter Access Code:
*****************AMWE
Password Accepted
ID: Daniel Rou

Receiving video log #1

Daniel Rou Polyphemus Second In Command

"Is this thing on?" taps the camera lightly "Well I guess it is. Well, I will start in the beginning, how I got to serve on the Polyphemus." He sits back a bit, and takes a deep breath
"At December the 10th, 817 A.S. I was informed that I am moved from my place as a gun crew commander to new ship that is about to be built, where I will serve as Fire-Control officer, a great improvement from supervising the crew of only one mere gun, as important as it can be." He pause a bit to think, then continues

"At any rate, I started to train at Fort Leniex and had operational training at the Ravager from its Fire-Control officer, and at the launch ceremony that was celebrated with a humble greetings from our commander at the command bridge, where he gave us words of cheering before deploying for our first mission." He drifts away a bit "The captain's eyes were so bright, you could see he is glad to command us and the ship. I served for only several weeks as Fire Control officer, when Polyphemus second in command was killed in a fire-fight with enemy forces due to..." He blushes a bit "Well, heart attack. When commander Brass chose the new second in command, he chose me, I guess. I am still puzzled why, I mean, I did great job, but usually the second in command is the former system manager of the ship. At any rate, here I am, the ship's second in command, giving a brief video log of my self at the order of captain Brass. Signing out for now" He turns off the camera

Ship's logs have been updated. Saving under "Ship Crew Biographies" and encrypting...

Complete.

Logging off...

---

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

[Charos]

Markus was in the refectory aboard Polyphemus, having lunch when Rou walked in. -Hey Rou, take a plate and sit down, the food is great today. The two men were sitting at the table discussing many things, although Rou was a bit held back because he was bothered by Markus's position in the Legion. *he sighs*.. Hey Daniel, I've known you for quite some time and I know when something troubles you. Rou, looking serious, left the spork on the plate.
-... You're right, I'll tell you. Look, you're the Lord Commander now and you're responsible for all of us. I'm just a major, a small fish in the Legion and I know little of what the high command is doing. Although as you said, we've known each other for a long time so please, heed my warning. I've been hearing rumours that someone amongst our ranks is gathering followers because they are against your leadership. But rumours are rumours right? You're not pissing anyone off in the high command or anything? The last thing we need now is a civil war.
Markus suprised, stared at Rou for a few seconds. -I cannot give you a clear answer on whats going on lately but rest assured, there's no such thing. If anything is ever going to happen, I'll make sure that Polyphemus will shed the least blood from our brethren. You should erase those thoughts because everything is fine internally. You keep doing a good job maintaining Polyphemus and I'll maintain the Legion. Rou nodded and went to his quarters. Markus remained at the table skeptical because the situation was different than what he said to Rou. -Damn.. I hope it won't come down to that eventually..

---

Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.

[Pancakes]

As Daniel left Markus alone in the chamber, he could not let off the thought that there are traitorous forces within the Legion. It simply couldn't be.The legion is built around trust - trusting each other and counting at the other's shoulder when it's needed, which was about all the time.Guh he sighed Markus is hiding something. I know it. He noticed that the empty electronic charged nebula was a great thing to share ones thoughts with I just hope he knows what he is doing... but just in case, I better gather around an internal guard for his, my and the Legion's safety. I should probably talk with Samantha.
The nebula's only answer was a flashing light as electronic charge was released in it. Daniel took it as a yes
Yes, Sam she's a person to count on. I'd trust her blindly with my life, and with her help we could easily find people who are more than keen to follow Markus anywhere, even against our own brothers and sisters!
The nebula flashed again, and the light that was emitted from it formed a rather interesting shape, Daniel could swear it was a yes
To Sam I go then!

---

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

[Charos]

Samantha, a distinguished major and the ship's chief of security was in the ship's armory, a vast section of the ship that had enough space to fit combat vehicles, numerous weapon caches, a shooting range and training fields. She was putting the newly-boarded Legionnaires to the test. She is known for her excellent training skills that produce some of the most discipled men and women that serve the Legion. Daniel caught her in the middle of the training and didn't want to disturb her, but the stakes were too high to think like that. -Sam! Come over here for a moment. Sam looking disgruntled refused and continued with the training. -Damn it Sam! It is urgent and I need to talk to you in private. Sam was tighting her fists, boiling with anger but eventually she calmed down. -Fine, it better be good for you to stop the training. Everyone! You've got 10 minutes break. So? What is it?

-I need you to organise an internal guard, they need to be well-trained and they need to be loyal. Times of war are upon us and I do not speak of the war against Liberty but one that cannot be fought easily. Samantha glared Daniel because he was clearly talking about corruption and treachery within the Legion's ranks, which is punished by exile. She knew Daniel well and she knew he wouldn't make such a discussion without something going on. -For everyone's well-being I hope you're wrong for what you're implying Daniel. She sighs -I'll organise the guard but you better not let something like "it" happen again. Alright people! Break's over! Daniel was grateful for Sam's sharp mind and departed for the ship's bridge.

Receiving video feed from Recon Drone 001

---

Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.

[Charos]

A few weeks later, things were getting much more tense onboard and off-board Polyphemus. Rumours spread like wildfire throught the forest of people of Vespucci and actions that would alter the Legion as a whole were taking place that not even the Lord Commander himself would be able to prevent it.

Sitting as his captain's chair on Polyphemus along with his XO, Lord Commander Brass decided to confront the high command on Leniex to stop those responsible for plotting against the Legion's goals. He knew the dangers his actions would bring upon him but he wanted to hear what and why they had to say. He had suspicions on a certain person among the old members of the high-command and ex-lord commander, Dane Kinnaird. The ships under his command all had left Vespucci to a destination known to few and the experimental Arbiter, Revenant, was nowhere to be found.

"-Daniel, I'm going to Leniex for a while to put a stop to this madness. You'll have the command of Polyphemus untill I get back." said to him and stood up from his chair, getting ready to be thrown to the wolves' den. "-Understood, I'll have the guards ready to escort you, Markus." Markus looked at Daniel, knowing that this could be his last time aboard his warship. "-Incursus, Last Sunrise and Damocles should be on their way here. If things get out of hand, the four ships are to leave Vespucci by any means necessary." the bridge fell silent after his orders. "-You heard the Lord Commander and Captain! Make preparations as if we're about to face the Navy! Polyphemus will be on yellow alert untill you're back, Markus." the alarm went off across the ship, the atmosphere was tense as people were rushing to complete preparations. "-Good, now then, I hope the shuttle is ready and fueled. Wouldn't want to be stranded because someone forgot to fill the tank, hah!"

Markus and his personal guards got on the shuttle and travelled to Leniex. He didn't know he is going to face when they arrive, it's been forever since his last time visiting the Legion fortress.

---

Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.

[Charos]

The shuttle arrived several hours later on Fort Leniex, the Lord Commander was welcomedf by high-ranked officers, among them the previous Lord Commander -now Fleet Marshall- Dane Kinnaird. Markus sensed a small tension in the hangar, but that wasn't a concern for him as they proceeded to the High Command meeting hall. "-It's been a while, Dane. How've you been holding?" Kinnaird with a dull expression, side by side with the Lord Commander nodded "-I've been very busy doing my part for the Legion as always." "-You're still the same I see." The two leaders remained silent for the rest of their walk.

When they entered the meeting hall, the members spread left and right in the amphitheatre with the Lord Commander in the centre, ready to address the issues that seem to become a nuisance to the Legion. "-Good day gentlemen, I'm here today to discuss important matters. As you all know the Legion is growing day by day, our ships are getting stronger and we're receiving more aid from Legion supporters. However, our enemies are getting stronger aswell and with a new enemy at our doorstep, the Gallic Navy, we need to decide how to approach them.' said Markus and gave the word to the member of the High Command. "-The gallics are not our greatest concern, their main force is battling the combined forces of Bretonia and Liberty along with Kusari fleet remnants. Those who manage to bypass Leeds are destroyed by our patrols." With that answer, the Lord Commander continued "-Very well. Our next subject is ally support. The Hessians and Mollys appreciate our Hull Panel, Deuterium and refined ore shipments and the ships we've dispatched for their use are bringing positive results. Anyone has something to add?" Markus looked around and saw not one
willing to take the word, "-That'll do. Next and final subject are the recent rumours that poison the minds of legionnaires. They believe that there's another coup d'etat coming this way from an unknown-as-of-yet member." Markus paused for a little while the High Command were staring at him.

"-That's enough Markus." The silent Marshal, Kinnaird finally spoke. "We are all aware of those rumours or maybe they're not rumours after all?" said with a hyronic tone. Markus, suprised by his words, started to understand what was going on. "-What do you mean by that Dane? From your words I suppose you know more than we do? Speak up."

"We believe the Legion has overextended it's reach during your leadership, Lord Commander. In you time, you have attempted to establish several new stations and annex Humboldt without positive results, only more resource-needing warfare. You've even made the Gallics our enemies, who might have aided us in our goal to defeat the Liberty Navy and free Liberty from it's hidden tyrany if you have used a different approach. There is more to this but I will stop here. The rumours that have been spreading were partially true." Markus glared at Dane and his palm were getting sweaty, anxiety seemed to take over him but he managed to stay calm "-And I suppose you're behind it? You-" Before Markus could say anything else, Dane stopped him. "-Let me finish Markus. Now that you are here you can help fix things. Declare a temporary cease of any and all combat operations and focus on system development and trade relations with our allies. Then, resign from Lord Commander and leave Legion ranks. We'll a ship for you to leave Vespucci entirely. That, or we'll force you out." Dane finished his proposal with a smirk. "-Exile or internal strife is it? Do you really want to do this? Change how the Legion worked for years now, put down our arms and live peaceful lives or force the men and women of the Legion spill the blood of their brothers and sisters? Untill when will you manage to live peacefully?" Dane answered swiftly and without hesitation, he knew what it would take to achieve his goal, overthrowing Markus. "We will use all of our forces to fortify the jumpholes and the economic and system development will allows us to construct more ships. I will say no more, it's time to make your decision and it would be for the best if you made one without bloodshed." Dane looked at the rest of the High Command, with most of them agreeing with him. Only those who have fought side by side were against him and were ready to act on the Lord Commander's orders. "So you've managed to attract the majority to your side. I still insist your way is wrong. There's no easy way for real bliss, Dane and our goal can only be achieved through battle. That's why we are who we are. I won't stand down as Lord Commander and I won't enforce your ideas. I'll give you a day to cease the rumours and send a written apology to my chambers and I will forget about today's incident." The chamber was filled with noise from everyone's chatter. Markus's mind was in imbalance because for the first time in a long time he couldn't know the consequences of his actions.

Later that day, while Markus was in his chamber he was called to the High Council room once again for a meeting. They were standing inside, the majority of the council still along with Kinnaird but something was not right in the room. "Why did you call me here? I don't suppose it's to apologise for your words earlier?." The room is vast and there was a large gap between the two sides, Markus couldn't shake the feeling that something's about to go wrong. Dane, immidiately took the word "We have decided. We have decided to arrest you and dispose of you after your trial. Cease him!" Armed guards that were hiding jumped and attempted to arrest him but as soon as that started, Markus's guard that was waiting outside entered the room. A firefight started between the two sides resulting in serious injuries and casualties for both. Markus was injured and captured, moments before that however, Polyphemus and the rest of the ships were signaled to escape.

After the Lord Commander was captured, he was moved to a high-security cell to wait for his condemn. What would that be he didn't know since he didn't leave quietly. The members of the High Council that were on his side were pardoned and finally joined Kinnaird's side.

---

Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.

[Pancakes]

Daniel picked his gun along with his guards, Polyphemus turned into a blood bath as Kinnard's supporters were trying to take over it. Daniel assigned Markus' men with five objectives, that to his belief were the keys to maintain control over Polyphemus
1) Retain the control over the bridge
2) Regain control over the engines room and make sure the hangars are secured by Sam.
3) Gain control over the ship's core reactor
4) Smoke out the traitors from their holes once the first 3 objectives had been met
5) Take Polyphemus and run away.

Daniel quickly dispatched with his soldiers toward the engines room, it was crucial that they would be able to escape. The fighting had been rough and they were forced many times to go back and find anther way due to traitors pockets, and at times fight right through them. Once the engines room was secured, he was informed that Sam's security teams that were on high alert managed to take over the ship's reactor and trap the remaining pockets to a certain parts of the ship.

Quickly later Polyphemus was hailed by Incursus, much to Daniel's surprise, it seems that most of the crew there remained loyal to Markus. It was time to escape.

Daniel was sitting in the commander's seat at bridge. He was clearly injured, and there was a lot of dried blood everywhere. "Give the order, Sam."
Sam quietly obeyed and announced to the whole battle-group over the internal communications: "We are approaching the target of operation LIBERTY, this is not a drill, all hands to your stations".

All electronics on the HFB-Polyphemus and HFB-Incursus were turned off, engines, weapon systems and even life support. "I don't understand why we don't engage the cloaking device Daniel, it'll be an easy in-and-out" Daniel sighed "I am keeping it to myself for some time now, but we are quite low on fuel we'll need the cloaking device to pull out once the objective has been reached, plus with those clouds we're better off doing it this way, no chance to be picked on by type of a scanner"

"Now"

Polyphemus came to life, shortly after did Incursus - both full engine ahead toward Magellan.

---

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

[Charos]

//At this point, Hellfire Legion has only experienced changes inside Vespucci, none of this has currently affected our operations and it won't be known outside the faction due to well-handling of the situation (Communication is cut-off entirely untill things settle down). Again, only [HF] members know of this and the only one that can spread information are the Incursus, Last Sunrise and Polyphemus.

As the two ships were making preparations to escape, two Arbiter-class battleships, the Minotaur and Manticore and numerous strikecraft were send to intercept the Polyphemus and Incursus. Time was of the essense, they had to escape before they could pull any more forces to hinder their objective.

"-Set course for the Magellan jumphole, raise shields to maximum an target the Manticore." The Minotaur was their prime target because of the numerous missile batteries it had and lighter armor plating than Minotaur. The Minotaur on the other hand had powerful weaponry designed for capital combat and thick armor layers to protect it. "-Sir, target is in firing range." The bridge was filled with noise as everyone reported ship status, casualties from the in-ship fight between the crew and Kinnaird's spies. "-Fire everything we've got, show no mercy!" With Daniel's signal, Polyphemus fired a barrage of hot plasma and heavy missiles while the fighter and bombers wings of each sides were shooting down one another. Incursus, the Legion's pride and one of the toughest battleships, was fighting on par with the Minotaur. The ship was shaking from the shockaves generated by hull hits and explosions outside the ship. "-Sir! One of our hangars was hit and cannot receive anyone!" The full of anxiety officers, were struggling to make sure they come out alive out of this fight. Daniel as he watched the fight develop, decided to do a risky move. "-Everyone, get ready to bust of out this madness! Prepare the forward blade and ram the Manticore! This will certainly cripple it and not destroy it. Direct all batteries on Minotaur's engines."

Polyphemus achieved ramming speed with easy and hit Manticore below, avoiding all vital areas, disabling it's combat functions. The Minotaur after sustaining severe damage to the hull, surrendered as it was incapable of fighting anymore.

Several minutes later, the two damaged ships were approaching Magellan jumphole where Ravager was waiting for them. Ravager was the guard that kept everyone out of the Legion's home system and it was powerful, perhaps able to destroy both battleships while they were in that condition. Daniel and Cristina, decided to take the risk and charge to the jumphole and in their suprise, the Ravager didn't move or charge it's weapons. A transmission was received by Polyphemus from the on-board Lord Commader Markus's supporters, "-We have disabled the ship temporary so make your escape while it's possible! Find a way to save our Lord Commander and punish the traitors! I--*noise*" The transmission was being jammed by Ravager's internal equipment. "-All hands, prepare for the jump!" The two ships slowly approached the jumphole and disappeared into it, leaving the sleeping Ravager undamaged as it was the Cerberus of the Legion.

"-Open a channel with Incursus. *Transmission received* Cristina, how's Incursus? We've suffered medium damages all over the ship and half of the strikecrafts were destroyed. -It's holding up Daniel, we haven't suffered as much damage as Polyphemus did. We're not safe yet, We should split up to avoid easy detection. -Agreed, we'll activate our field cloak on some remote place and repair what we can. We'll have to report our status to each other for some time to let know everything's well. *Cristina nodded* -We should keep transmissions to a minimum from now on. Keep Polyphemus and it's crew safe Daniel, Hunter out."

The Incursus activated it's jumpdrive and took off to an unknown destination, while the Polyphemus was moving to a nebula in the Kansas system to do some repairs to the ship.

---

Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.