Following the failed attempts of Markus to reach Molly space, he had to make a decision whether to go beyond and spend more precious time seeking possibilities or turn back and think of an alternative. Sitting in his desk skimming through charts and other information in hope of finding the solution, a bright orange light shoot up from the opposite side of the room reflecting just barely on his face. Perhaps he had the answer all along.
Tartarus Stage One
With the destruction of the Hellfire Legion and their home system in ruins, the remnants who rallied to the call by one of their ex-leaders, Markus Brass, made their way out of Vespucci and fled to the system of Cortez, the fleet laid hidden in the dense fields of ice and rock away from harm. Long-range communications were prohibited as should a fraction of error happen their stealth efforts would be in jeopardy so, a plan was devised for the Polyphemus to travel closer to Molly space while the Redeemer would safeguard the rest of the fleet until its return.
Captain Rou on board the Redeemer carried on with his task for so many days, maintaining order amongst the remnants and organizing the supply routes hoping of worthy news for managing to sit idle for as long. As more time seemed to pass, frustration and eagerness ruled, little by little the idea of Tartarus was fading from the minds of the few first, followed by more as they stood idle. Even the Captain started considering abandoning the idea, thinking that the Polyphemus maybe has finally met with its destiny and decorated some space in the vast Bretonian territory, however, as these thoughts were crossing his mind the alarm of an approaching vessel rang across the ship. Adrenaline rushed to his head and his heart was pounding fast which shaked the negative feelings away. A familiar signal hailed the bridge -at last! he thought-, the sight of Polyphemus rejuvenated his and everyones' spirits.
On screen, Commander Brass was addressing to the whole fleet to begin preparations for departure while requesting Captain Rou's and other ranked members to meet him in the briefing room on Polyphemus. Several people went to meet with the Commander in a room large enough to accomodate perhaps even a hundred people at the same time without removing any of the fancy machinery and electrical components used by the speaker to convey information to his crowd. A large table capable of forming holographic projections was installed in the center of the room, chairs and various monitors all around it. The formidable presence of the veteran Commander had everyone sitting in complete silence.
"Brass: Before I begin I wish to thank each and every one of you, for not losing your faith and keeping Tartarus in one piece."
He powered the projector, accessed the ship's data banks and began transferring information to the hologram. Markus's eyes were locked on the large sphere of white light that sprang to life hovering above the large table, slowly changing to a humanoid shape and gave life to the ship's soul, Hera, the artificial intelligence capable of executing an extreme number of calculations in very short time. She began eyeing each individual in the room, scanning and registering facial expressions while staying silent. After she completed her task, her colors began changing to a bright orange -her original and true color-. Markus started walking slowly in circles around the table, giving a speech to his audience. "Brass: Some of you are familiar with my assistant, Hera, the ship's AI and one extremely valuable Legionary, she is the key to our success. Now that you are acquainted with her I may begin with the reason I've gathered you all here. As you all know, we made preparations to move to Dublin, the home system of our old and trusted allies." A brief pause occurs while images containing information started levitating in a circular motion in the center of the room "Brass: This is as far as we've managed to go, the Leeds system, and that's after extreme patience and effort. The routes we knew to Dublin have collapsed leaving one single entry and exit in New London where the Bretonians have pulled back their forces to and made it into a fortress meaning that we have absolutely no way of reaching allied space in one piece, if at all. This is the end of this journey."
Everyone was de-spirited by the Commander's speech, disgruntled officers and veterans started questioning the whole idea and commotion was on the rise, that is when Hera spoke.
"Hera: However." The AI spoke in loud tone over the speakers and flashed bright numerous shades of orange, installing order in the room. "Hera: It is of my preference that you would remain civil and respect the Commander while he is speaking. Now, pay attention." Hera switched back to her warm orange color and faced Markus. "Hera: I'm sorry Markus, please continue." His face remained in the same non-emotional state through the changing atmosphere in the room. "Brass: However, when we returned from our journey shortly before rallying the remnants, we gathered information on whatever remained of Hellfire. The information that I'm going to share with you is highly confidential and of high importance." Markus revealed the wreckage of Fate's Hand and the husk of Fort Leniex, their former Headquarters. "Brass: Many of you have never been to that place so you may not recognise it but that is or at least was, Fort Leniex. It would never cross my mind if it wasn't for Hera who was kind enough not only to remind me of it but also create a plan to restore it partially, just enough for our fleet." Hera replied to Markus in a cheerful tone. "Hera: I did not want to distract you with the restoration of our former home when you were so adamant in taking us elsewhere." Markus chuckled momentarily but resumed the briefing with the commander's spirit. "Brass: Leniex as you can see is severely damaged as if it was destroyed by the invasion force, we scanned for residue on the entire structure but we could not find signs of heavy weaponry anywhere in the vicinity, however, after carefully examining its condition it became clear that it was intentional." Everyone was listening to the commander word by word, looking for some positive news. "Brass: The structure was decompressed and damaged in key areas to prevent it from falling to enemy hands but they never got anywhere close to it. The damage was deemed repairable and we will be able to bring it back to a functioning status." Captain Rou raises his hand, interrupting the briefing. "Rou: What would it take for us to restore it?" Markus looks over at Daniel, eager to give him an answer. "Brass: A lot of resources and time and to obtain them we have to work endlessly." Markus, Hera and the rest of the crew debated over the matter in a zealous manner as they were rid of their negative thoughts and had common focus point, Leniex.
Several hours later the alarms rang across every ship in the fleet, everyone was informed of their purpose so that bolstered morale and everyone was working harder and efficiently. Tartarus with Polyphemus as the spearhead would finally embark on their most important mission; to re-claim their home, Vespucci. There, they would follow the steps of their predecessors by hiding in the dense Guerrero field where electronic interference is enormous concealing completely even behemoth sized structures.
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.
