Mayday in Tau-31

[Kane]

Another day in the Tau-31 system. Outpost Holmen was directing transports through, another wing of Gians showed up for the routine appearence, and the operators were bord almost to tears. Today, however, would prove to be more exciting than anyone wanted.

"Outpost Holmen, this is the Jinsei-Akki Kirshiro research vessel. We are requesting permission to proceed to Tau 29."
"Wha? Uh, roger that Jinsei-Akki. You are cleared to proceed." The operator clicked off his mic. "Hey, Jackson! Science vessel coming through!"
"Eh?"
"Main screen... now."
The Jinsei-Akki poped up; What used to be a luxury liner was now a mobile reasarch platform for Kirshiro Technologies.
"Jesus... Look at that Richards... Those are missile turrets! Heavy ones too!"
"Yeah three... and the rest of those look like Destroyer Primary turrets! *Whistle* Man, Kirshiro sure looks after it's investments."
The Jinsei-Akki was about halfway past Holmen when suddenly, it happened.

The large craft suddenly veered off to the left, it's thrusters fireing maddly in all directions. While short lived, the out of controll ship ended smashed into an ice asteroid and at a lop-sided angel. "What the hell?" Jackson watched as the ship seemed to have some kind of seizure. "Richards! Hail that thing! Find out what happened!"
"Aye..." He never finished.
The computer spoke up. "Attention. Mayday distress call detected. Patching through now."

"Mayday! Ma-*static*-day! This is the Kirshiro re-*static*-rch vessel 'Jinsei-Akki!' We have a code -*static*-ment breach! Repeat, coa-*static*-red containme-*static*- each! Major damage has occured in the -*static*-, communications are being lost -*static*-out the ship, life supp-*static*- failing, the AI is -*static*- Rampent, and -*static*- plasma drives -*static*- surged -*static*-erloaded! We require -*static*-iate S&R -*static*- position! May-*static*-! -*static*-day!" The message, if there was any after, dissolved into snow.

Holmen was silent. "Jesus H. Christ..." Jackson murmered.
"Richards! Send a broad-wave out! Tell 'em what happened!"
"Who do I send the wave to?"
"I DON'T GIVE A D*MN! ANYBODY!!! The Sirius Federation, the Asgard Warriors, the Transilvainen Gladiators, Kirshiro, anyone we can reach!"
"Ye... Yes sir."
Rishards copied the message and broad-waved it out to everyone. Even the Rhinland Military got a copy of the wave, which was, in a way, even more chilling then the mayday message;

***
Broad Wave message:
Hedding: MADYDAY AT HOLMEN
Body: KIRSHIRO RESEARCH SHIP 'JINSEI-AKKI' REPORTS MAYDAY CONDITION.
SHIP LOCATED AT HOLMEN OUTPOST.
IMMEDIATE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS REQUESTED.
THIS MAYDAY IS CONSIDERED HIGH PRIORETY DUE TO UNKNOWN FAILURES ON THE JINSEI-AKKI.
JINSEI-AKKI REPORTED CODE RED CONTAINMENT BREACH.
End: HOLMEN OUTPOST
Attached: -Transcript of Jinsei-Akki mayday report-
***

---

This is the real true story of rock and roll; it was not about anything more then, how to live your life, as a gangster, in sartorial splendor, and turning the world into a place where normality would never return again...- Malcolm McLaren

[Dab]

Soren Karsten, captain of the Asgard Warrior Destroyer Chimaera began issueing orders before reading the rest of the transmission.

Captain Soren: Major Dissek set us for Tau-31, fastest course! I don't care if it is TG space or not! Lieutenant Halion transmit a request for additional backup, I don't want to walk into another SF ambush.

Major Dissek (navigator): Preparing to jump to Tau-23.

Captain Soren: Commander ready your pilots.

Commander Dietrech (fighter commander) Aye Sir!

Though chances were low given the cease fire between the two waring factions, if Soren had learned anything as a ship captain in the border worlds it was to expect the worse. And somehow he had a feeling this was much worse than he feared.

(Sorry if it seems short and not great but its the first RP post I've done in quite awhile.)

---

[Dab]

Admiral Brandt read over the report by Captain Soren. Mayday alert.... Kishiro research vessal.... Tau-31...

High-Captain Fuerst: Sir? Are we going to be sending any ships in to aid them?

Admiral Bradnt: Very well send one of the captured Rheinland gunboats, we got enough of them during the Rheinland campaign we can afford to be short one for defense.

High-Captain Fuerst: Which one?

Admiral Brandt: The Fuchs is currently in Tau-37 send it.

High-Captain Fuerst: Yes Sir.

Admiral Brandt tossed the report onto his desk, completely forgotten.

Major Dresner in charge of AW gunboat Fuchs: Lieutenant set course for Tau-31, follow the Chimeara's path.

**********************************


Captain Soren: How long until we reach them Major?

Major Dissek: ETA approximated at 20 minutes.

Captain Soren: Communications any word on reinforcements?

Lieutenant Fleischer: We recieved word that a Rheinland Gunboat named Fuchs is currently en-route.

Captain Soren: THATS IT?!

His shot made the lieutenant reflexively take a step back.

Lieutenant Fleischer: Yes Sir. Sorry Sir.

Major Dissek: Coming up on the Tau-31 jump hole now.

Captain Soren: Send us through then set course straight for Outpost Holmen.

(If some of you take the time to find the German meanings for the words you'll find some interesting translations.)

---

[marauder]

***
Broad Wave message:
Hedding: MADYDAY AT HOLMEN
Body: KIRSHIRO RESEARCH SHIP 'JINSEI-AKKI' REPORTS MAYDAY CONDITION.
SHIP LOCATED AT HOLMEN OUTPOST.
IMMEDIATE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS REQUESTED.
THIS MAYDAY IS CONSIDERED HIGH PRIORETY DUE TO UNKNOWN FAILURES ON THE JINSEI-AKKI.
JINSEI-AKKI REPORTED CODE RED CONTAINMENT BREACH.
End: HOLMEN OUTPOST
Attached: -Transcript of Jinsei-Akki mayday report-
***

[snapback]16448[/snapback]

"Sounds bad." I mutter to myself as I finish undocking procedures from cardiff mining station. "Attention Cardiff Mining station, I'm gonna have to divert to check out a distress call."

"Understand TG escort veteran, you are cleared to leave station control." Cardiff control responds.

"Thank you Cardiff. See you later."

"WAYPOINT PLOTTED AND SET, ENGAGING CRUISE ENGINES." the nav computer showed me the route to the leeds jumphole as well and the pirate patrol paths I'd found.

"I hope I don't get delayed."

[Fellow Hoodlum]

Meanwhile on the Cruiser Beretta.........

"Damn it Jenson, is that transmission genuine. I don't want to be drawn into another
mugging by the Asgards"
Captain Richard Stone paced the bridge, snapping at his communications officer.
"Yes sir, RDF shows source of transmission was definitely Holman Outpost."
Paul Jenson smarted from the verbal lashing. He was proud of being able to get the best out of his instruments at all times.
"Ok sorry I snapped son, Its just this will take us off station here. We dont need to be
swanning around space for no good reason."
The Beretta was covering the Newcastle jump hole. A tedious but necessary position.
"Is there anyone close who can move in and cover our asses."
Stone was worried. the call sounded like a ploy by the Asgards to draw him away from
a strategic defense position.
"Sorry, no sir. The rest of the fleet appears to be back in Leeds at the moment"
Jenson was ready to duck, in case something was launched at him across the bridge,
even though he could do nothing about that situation.
"Jesus H, what is going on, the rest of them back in Leeds! Well nothing we can do now.
Helm please plot the best resolution for Holman, And for Gods sake keeps us clear of
those b****y asteroids."
The Beretta turned slowly towards the station, no one on board sure of what lay ahead........

---

Some say he is a proud member of: "The most paranoid group of people in the Community."

[Kane]

The first S&R ship, the Shamrock, was the first on the scene. The ship aproached cautiously. They stopped around 500 M away from the ship.

Holmen Control: S&R Shamrock, what's the problem?

Shamrock: We canna go further. Th' ship's tell'n us tha if we get ana closer, it'll blow us ta peices.

Holmen: D*mn... Richards! See if you can contact the ship! Tell them we need to get in to help...

Unknown carrier wave: There is no need to contact me. I have broken into your transmission waves. I can hear everything you say.

Holmen: What? Who is this!?

Unknown: Who I am is not important. What I will tell you is that if anyone comes any closer, I will shoot you down. There is a Code Red Biological Containment Breach on this ship. My crew is dying, and if I let you dock you will as well.

Holmen: We received a mayday signal. We have to...

Unknown: Yes, yes... You have to respond. I can assure you with 100% accuracy that I know the mayday code far better than you. However, I cannot allow you to dock. I shall contact you if I require anything further.

Holmen: Just who am I talking to!?

Unknown: *There seems to be a hiss of sound, like a sigh being put to close to a mic* I am Crystal Oni; the AI in command of of the Jinsei-Akki. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to try and save what is left of my crew.

Holmen: Richards! Send another broad-wave! Kirshiro has some explaining to do!

***
Broadwave message:
Title: JINSEI-AKKI UPDATE
Body: CODE RED CONTAINMENT BREACH CONFIRMED.
CREW IN DANGER.
LOSS OF LIFE CONFIRMED.
NATURE OF CODE RED CONTAINMENT BREACH NARROWED TO BIOLOGICAL CONTAINMENT BREACH.
UNKNOWN CODE RED BIOLOGICAL CONTAINMENT BREACH.
JINSEI-AKKI UNDER COMMAND OF CRYSTAL ONI.
CRYSTAL ONI CLAIMS TO BE ARTIFICIAL INTELEGINCE IN CHARGE OF JINSEI-AKKI.
NO DOCKING HAS BEEN ALLOWED.
KIRSHIRO COVER UP?
IMMEDIATE MILITARY PRESENCE IS REQUESTED.
Attachments: -None-
End message:
***

---

This is the real true story of rock and roll; it was not about anything more then, how to live your life, as a gangster, in sartorial splendor, and turning the world into a place where normality would never return again...- Malcolm McLaren

[Virus]

"Phantom pilots, this ship is valuable. We need it intact. There is very little intel on this vessel." Virus whispered into the microphone of his fighter. "All ships in position?"

Bomber Commander: "Aye, sir."
Fighter Commander: "Yessir."

"Alright then, fighters prepare decloak and engage any fighters that appear and take out the weapons on the Jinsei-Akki. Bomber Squad A, you will engage the Shamrock. Use the cloaking device to your advantage. Use lethal force. Squad B, drop the shield on the Jinsei-Akki then continue to destroy the Shamrock."

In total twenty ships decloaked. Five immediately opened fire on the Shamrock, fifteen on the Jinsei-Akki. The bombers recloaked after launching their novas, only to decloak again somewhere else. Explosions rocked the Jinsei-Akki and the Shamrock.



A general transmission: "This is the Phantom Empire. All incoming vessels, cease your approach or you WILL be destroyed. Holmen Station, DO NOT launch ships or we will destroy you as well! This is your only warning!" Virus growled with odd double voice that would make the bravest marine tremble in fear.

---

Into the Maelstrom - A Measure of Salvation - Reaver Company Database

[Kane]

Missile turrets on the Jinsei-Akki pivoted and fired. Battleship class missile spat from their tubes, riding pillers of orange flame. The larger Destroyer Pirmary turrets tracked the incoming phantom ships and opened fire. Some of the bombers even came under fire, the turrets somehow able to detect even cloaked ships.

Unknown: All Phantom ships, cease your attack at once! If you value your lives, you will not dock!

The heavy shields on the Jinsei-Akki held, but were withering away under the heavy barrage of fire. The Shamrock was not so lucky. The ship never had a chance to move before the Nova torps slammed home. The Shamrock simply dissintegrated.

Unknown: No! You cannot be allowed to enter! This evil cannot be allowed to spread!

The Jinsei-Akki's engines suddenly flared to life. The ship pushed away from the asteroid, fleeing deeper into the ice cloud that was Tau 31. One Nova slipped past the failing sheilds and burst against the engine compartment, spilling H-fuel out into space. The Jinsei-Akki, now at cruise speed, flead. It would not get far, though. The H-fuel that powered it's massive engines would soon be spilled out like blood from a wound. The Jinsei-Akki only had so much before it was out.

---

This is the real true story of rock and roll; it was not about anything more then, how to live your life, as a gangster, in sartorial splendor, and turning the world into a place where normality would never return again...- Malcolm McLaren

[marauder]

Tau 23, near the tau 37 jumphole.

"Virus, this is Bloodfrenzy. I'm en-route to you."

"Target sighted, enga...." the transmission cut off as bloodfrenzy's sabre leapt toward the Bounty Hunter fighters weapons blazing.

"Hurry up and die so I can do more important things!" Bloodfrenzy snarled over the radio as more Bounty Hunter ships exploded.

As the last fighter exploded the sabre was already cruising towards the tau 31 jumpgate.

[Nightfall]

... on board the BSA-Maul, orbiting planet Malta in Omicron Alpha:

Cpt. Nightfall was listening to what was going on in Tau-31... *Phantoms - will they ever rest?*:
- "Escort wing Gamma, you're close to the Tau-37 jumphole, go there and assist against the Phantom threat!"

"Roger that, sir!" - quick response from Gamma leader.

-"Helm, plot a course to Tau-37 and jump in, we will stop at Freeport 10, egage cruise engines! *From there we'll be faster to act if need be.* Malta, dispatch another wing to escort us! Comm get me the Chimaera!"

A double "Yes, sir" replied to his commands and the four huge Battlestar cruise engines started their song...

-"This is planet Malta, dispatching Phi wing!"

-"This is Phi wing, captain, we are en-route!"

-"Maul, this is Malta, we are picking up a TC cruiser en-route to Tau-31 on our long range sensors!"

-"Malta, get the Suicide Kings ready, I don't want surprises, send one bomber too!"

***

---

If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God? - from 'Nightfall' by I. Asimov
The Outcasts consider Siniestre Nube a sacred place for several reasons. Early explorers discovered a jumphole within the depths of the cloud that leads to a strange world of ringed stars and strange craft. All ships in the burrial ground are placed facing that hole to honor the Alien Spirits. - An Outcast rumor