Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: February 18, 830 AS Log number: 371
Holding on: This is Mark Reynolds of the Insurgency Subversion Fleet. Yesterday, one of our gunboats was destroyed when a Navy bomber squad came in to intercept it while it tried to rendezvous with us. When we later examined the wreckage, we found no survivors. Normally, this would put a lot of sorrow to other people, but as battle-hardened officers, who had similar experiences a countless number of times already, it only strengthened our resolve to keep fighting for Vespucci, even as we lose ground to the invaders every day.
However, despite the loss, we managed to strike back. The surprise came when our intelligence reported holes in the patrol activity of the Liberty Navy. Apparently, one of their squadrons was sent to inspect the anomaly located within the Guerrero Asteroid Cloud. As they were lightly armed, comprising only two gunboats and four escort snubcraft, we managed to move most of the Subversion Fleet and crushed them while taking no losses. Hopefully, the Navy will find the cost of their offensive, but we must remain adamant if we are to turn the tides to our favor.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: February 19, 830 AS Log number: 372
Recent tidings: I've been looking at the declaration made by the Admiral Amy West twelve days ago. Why would they move most of their fleet away from Vespucci? I honestly don't know. Nothing does make sense here when we're supposed to defend to the last man. I guess this is going to be the final straw here. Either we fight, or seek asylum, but in either case me and the other officers of the Subversion Fleet have decided to seek asylum.
Magellan was no option, since the Admiral mentioned in a recent declaration that Flight Alpha suffered massive casualties there, or so we thought. This left us with Inverness, but we would be wary of the local inhabitants, especially the Technocracy of Auxo. Even though there was a build-up of Crayterian and some Bretonian forces, it was pretty clear they were targeting a civilian base and had destroyed it days ago. That's when I realized Crayterians were mere aggressors, not saviors.
Fortunately, I managed to open a communication to the Technocracy of Auxo. We didn't know their main purpose yet, but since we have no options left, it was the Subversion Fleet's best choice. I'll see if they answer cordially, as I don't expect them to be friendly to us after some incident in Inverness several months ago.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: February 22, 830 AS Log number: 373
Proving grounds: It has been a day since we received a response from one Navarch Valentine. I was quite surprised to see the Technocracy's intent. They hated the higher-ups of the Insurgency, but not us. Instead, she wanted to prove the Subversion Fleet was worthy of the task. She had a simple request in mind: to gather some intelligence on their plan to move their forces from Vespucci.
We agreed, on the condition that I bring only the gunboat, callsign Subversion. Eventually I met up with a secondary fleet pilot who remarked that truce was the only way for the Insurgency's survival. But that alone wasn't sufficient evidence, until I had the luck to meet up with Admiral Amy West. She seemed like she still hated Crayter for their actions. But she had no regard for the Technocracy either. Her plan was simply to regroup, but how can one regroup when they don't have the strength to fight back? Either way, everything seems off when it comes to Insurgency Command.
The only thing I need is a response from the Navarch.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: February 24, 830 AS Log number: 374
Swindle to freedom: I've been stressful for some time now, but at last I made it out of Vespucci alive. These turncoats showed up within our ranks, reporting my decision to the higher-ups while I was busy preparing my ship for launch. Several hours ago, I was stopped by a patrol of Insurgent forces, some of whom were members of the Subversion Fleet, and proceed to inform me that I had committed treason against the Insurgency. Without warning, I soon found myself escorted by heavily-armed guards to a military court in Planet Veracruz where I would await a court-martial.
Fortunately, I had already planned that out before this happened and told my loyal crewmates of the Subversion to prepare for the escape. It also helped that the prison I was being sent to was close to where the ship was parked, so when the court sentenced me to death, I had to act fast. Using my skills in combat, I quickly held a guard hostage as emergency sirens blared out. I held my breath, knowing I would escape or die trying. But against all odds, I regrouped with my still-loyal subordinates and quickly boarded the Subversion out of the planet, but not before the ship took some damage from the orbital defenses.
The only problem was that the damage was extensive, rendering the gunboat incapable for combat. I had no choice but to dock at Freeport 14, where they welcomed me and my crew with open arms. Navarch Valentine had given us approval, but as a warm-up, I decided to become an affiliate, before transitioning into a full-fledged Technocrat when the time is right. For now, I still need to change transponder codes to avoid detection, which is not an easy task.
Several more problems needed to be addressed. The amenities at the freeport were somewhat lackluster, and I needed a new ship if I ever wanted to leave the confines of my damaged gunboat.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: February 25, 830 AS Log number: 375
A new life: I had to adjust to my new life in the Inverness system. To start with, I need to know more about the Technocracy and its goals. After accessing a file on one of the Freeport's public computers, I learned that the Technocracy really did value human ingenuity and transhumanism by escaping from the constant self-destructive cycle humanity is actively propagating. But I felt like I wasn't really a worthy person anymore, scarred by the trauma of escaping Vespucci with whatever I had left. I still needed to recuperate and find a new job in order to augment my pockets.
After I left the Freeport, I met a battlecruiser, callsign A/)-ACV-Eidolon.Wraith, who took me to Valravn Citadel. I was contacted by Navarch Valentine regarding my asylum status. She offered me a chance to join the Technocracy proper, but I decided to stay as an affiliate. With her assistance, I managed to change the ship's transponder codes at the Invergordon Space Port. To my surprise, I also met commander Oake of the cruiser INS Savannah and a snubcraft pilot who is an officer of the Starlancer, captained by James Howard. They didn't act hostile to me, as they also share the same distaste of Admiral West's Insurgency. After a somewhat lengthy talk, where I got to learn the fate of an Insurgent battleship that defected to the Order, one of the Technocracy's enemies, I decided to rest at Valravn Citadel for a while, waiting for some comfort to arrive.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: April 10, 830 AS Log number: 376
Seeking networks: Heya, this is Mark Reynolds speaking to myself. It is currently April 10, 830 AS. You can say I am quite stressed right now. I could have been a fine Insurgent, but there's always bound to be snakes lying around. You know, the maligned faces of Insurgency Command, right? When they sent the rest of us to do bidding with an imperialist power known as the Crayter Republic. These fools know nothing than to destroy an innocent base in Inverness. Thankfully, I made the right choice, even if some of my subordinates tried to mutiny with me.
On another note, since my entry to the Affiliate Program, I've known about what life is like here. Despite the limited amenities aboard Valravn, for the past few weeks I've been enjoying the hydrotherapy program, which alleviated most of my stress. I've been given an assignment to transport refugees from Veracruz to Valravn. Thankfully, they are being supplied with the proper needs instead of god-who-knows what Crayter or Gallia could do to them. Still, I was an obvious enemy to the Republic, so I had to lay low. The Lane Hackers proved willing, and by helping them ship four thousand units of Cardamine from Planet Malta to Leiden Base, I had a new forged identity of high quality.
Seems I'll be putting them to use once the time is right. Still, my gunboat needs some fixing. I'll try to reach out to Bristol Constructions to see if they are willing to do the repair work.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: May 1, 830 AS Log number: 377
Subversion: Captain's log, entry 377. Mark Reynolds here. I have finished sipping my daily coffee, though this one tasted a bit bland. Fortunately, Bristol agreed to repair the Subversion; a particular Daniel J. Lennox offered me a deal. Even though the fee was very, very high, it was my only option.
So I took my damaged, albeit usable gunboat to Sierra Starport, conversing with the technicians. They seemed to be puzzled by my inquiries, but fortunately they called in an expert technician who inspected my ship. He did warn me about "stability", though, after I was given out a very preliminary document costing only a few million credits. Fortunately, I didn't have to deal with all the hard work since I already contacted Bristol, but despite this, I had to say goodbye to all the technicians I've met at the starport. Well, time to pack my stuff and head to Bristol Bay, then.
On a completely unrelated note, onions from Bering taste fresh, especially when sauteed and mixed with ketchup.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: June 18, 830 AS Log number: 380
Subversion: Captain's log, entry 380. Mark Reynolds here. Finally. The day I've been waiting for. The Subversion is finally operational, after months of grueling work from Bristol Constructions.
Anyhow, between all of this, I've helped the Navarch this time with shipments of Cyberware to Manhattan. In due time I'll be starting a new life with this newly refurbished hulk of mine.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: August 10, 830 AS Log number: 401
Subversion: Captain's log, entry 401. Mark Reynolds here. I took the Subversion on a test run, and was fortunate to know that it was back to full operation once more. Despite this, I had an important contact within Liberty. This meant evading the lawfuls and getting the needed papers to reach her. Though this was carried out successfully, just before reaching her, I had a close contact with a Navy patrol, but fortunately for me, they were engaging a bunch of Rogues and so didn't pay much attention to me.
She told me to go to a Freeport located somewhere in the Sigmas. I took the hours-long trip to Kusari, avoiding any lawful patrol that may be curious on finding me, just like the near-miss in Liberty. After several hours of flying through jumpholes, I soon found myself in the Sigmas. I then learned the GMG exerted control on their territory. They welcomed me as I passed through their space to my final destination.
So far, things seem to be pretty good. I may have a new opportunity arising soon.
Name: Mark Reynolds Entry Date: November 28, 833 AS Log number: 510
A new contract: For the past three years, I've never been much into combat. Instead, I spent my time exploring various parts of the Sirius Sector. Unfortunately for me, this also meant my credits were going to run out soon. I tried various other options, but none of them could supplant the costs of maintaining the Subversion, which was showing signs of degradation. This was really unfortunate for me, but at this point, I had to adapt. I finally decided that being a mercenary was my most preferable option, as I had combat experience during my time in the Insurgency several years ago.
Two weeks ago, I met a certain group of freelancers calling themselves the Reavers in Pennsylvania, and "Valkyrie". They told me about events surrounding some kind of independent base in Kansas. One of the Reavers, called "Cerulean", offered me a deal to assist them in whatever contract they're pursuing. It turned out that the Technocracy was planning to siege an installation for not complying with their requests. Unexpectedly, a certain group of Navy, called the "First Armada", showed a willingness to help defend a base. Quite an odd sight to me, I think. That's when the Technocracy offered a substantial reward for not just dead Navy, but anything helping them. I joined their side, knowing my affiliate status. Fortunately, the Reavers also assisted the Technocracy, though the same couldn't be said for Valkyrie. I set out to see if Subversion could do the task, and it did surprisingly well, netting me credits for a replacement gunboat.
I contacted Cerulean after this, but he rightly pointed out to me I needed to do more than just kill to join the Reavers, and they won't guarantee any further meetings. Not quite, because I encountered them outside Manhattan. They mentioned about things brewing up in the Omicrons. Since I wasn't confident in the Subversion's combat performance, as they pointed me out, I set out on my freighter bound for Rheinland, where I followed the steps of my old friend to the planet called Gran Canaria. There, I bought a new "Condor"-class gunboat, and later encountered the Reavers outside Freeport 11. I discussed things with them, and then proceeded to Corfu Base, pending a response. It's either make or break if Cerulean wants me in or not, but I hope the former.