Electronic clock rings, heralding beginning of another day based solely on an artificial standard catering to human biology and shifts of the crew. Valkyrie opens her eyes, staring at dreadful device from hell itself, violently abrupting her bliss sleep. As she was handling the morning’s routine, PDA left in the corner lighted up, bringing new assignment for the day to come. Reviewing those while still finishing substitute of coffee, substandard to what she used previously to remain vigilant in more difficult schedules like this.
Delegated away from intelligence gathering duty and occasional hunting of designated enemies, Valkyrie’s next assignment was like any other before. Sigh followed thoughts whether she gets special treatment due to her connections or not, Kate as her true name did not spend much time with the actual regular units to know answer to this question.Fully suited up, she took a last glance into the mirror. This uniform still feels foreign to her. Finally, she went out through the corridors.
Silently grateful to whoever put her temporary accommodation so close to usual points of interests for her, she entered bigger room where other soldiers gather as it was commanded. Name of “OCV Fedayeen” displayed on the most visible places within the room itself. Taking one of the seats in the first row, she cautiously watched when the actual show would begin. As everyone was accounted for, officer at elevated post laid out next important mission. It did not concerned Valkyrie, all the data displayed were delivered by her own recon flight on behalf of Special Operations Command.
What she tries to forget is the alien structure. The Order knew of it way before yet technical limitations prohibited establishing operations over there until recently. Now their interests will revolve around unhuman example of ominous architecture and she is to take part in this. Now the point has come to reveal true purpose for whole charade and chasing across abandoned obelisks. Name and file display on screen for all to see. Kyle Sadler… defected from The Order years ago. In fact person so irrelevant that in any other circumstance would be crossed out as an lost asset unable to harm the organisation in any way. What made this case special… he was tracked all the way to the alien station. Named “The Shrine” as far as the interrogations could extract from cultists and other them kin.
“Son of a…”
She stopped after losing her grip on the situation for a while. So far ten more denizens have been more or less identified, yet they were merely secondary targets. “...Terminate…” officer mentioned, giving out operational priorities to armed section of the party meant to dive into lion’s den. In total, twenty people were believed to be living inside Shrine, likely brainwashed by the Nomads. As they were going inside, there was absolutely no option to spare a couple of Nomad huggers while at it. Lightly armed, not expecting anyone to go after them rendered a vision of relentless slaughter - very likely outcome that not even Kate was comfortable with.
“What is he trying to prove?” Whispering to herself, having her brother in mind. Regaining interest in the briefing, she started to soak up more information, coming from sources not revealed to her until this very moment. Quickly realizing, this entire raid was meant to cleanse territory for upcoming science mission towards creepy asteroids she encountered on her recon sortie. Purging is merely a cold, calculated side mission carried out due to an arising occasion.
“25, graduate of Cambridge university. Signed up with The Order and served as an technician in our ranks until making run for it four years ago. Minimal combat training, always been more of an idealistic pacifist. I have to repeat, we have no use for him alive. He is not connected to any Nomad cult and made his way to The Shrine on his own initiative. Him and many other misguided, revere their alien overlords in middle of god forsaken, irradiated system.”
“I wonder, director… had you any occasion to familiarize yourself with contingency Prometheus?” Golanski asked in calm voice, directed towards person sitting in opposite of his desk. Despite of bliss ignorance, severity of situation reached Sullivan Avery, one of the chief scientists in The Order’s research and development. “No sir. I do not have necessary clearance to access these files.” Admiral raised his sight from paperwork set in front of him, giving small smile. “Good piece of advice. Pray in whatever supernatural force you believe in that this stays that way. It’s a nightmare you don’t get to wake up from.” Scientist wearing white in contrast to The Order’s uniform nodded, finding the grin unsettling and artificial, failing at defusing sudden grim turn of the conversation. “Your request has been granted director… I will see up to realization as soon as it is possible.” Silence was broken again by Admiral, dismissing scientist with positive answer to his inquiry.
As he was left alone with his thoughts, he turned around towards holographic projection of Sirius sector. He could almost tell that threat itself crawls out of Nomad homeworlds on his very eyes. A call broke his moment of unrest. Blinking, he ceased to feel unrest pouring all across the colonies. Accepting the comm, he was greeted by commanding officer of the OCV Fedayeen deployed deep into Bretonia as his design required.
“Commander Konstantinov of OCV Fedayeen to Admiral Golanski. Within 24 hours we will reach full readiness to commence operation according to given directives. Yet, there is new occurrence we have to take into account. Battleship Metropolis is lighting up the surrounding area with its sensors set on full power. If we make our dash before it is silenced, all Naval vessels will be able to pick our signature relying solely on passive sensors. I need advise on further course of action… Konstantinov out.”
Admiral stood in silence, listening to pre-recorded message from other end of Sirius. Heading towards his computer, he dusted off old comms to Taskmaster Escher. Person that in his belief, would be suitable person to remove obstacle one of his warships stumbled upon.
Valkyrie looks up to exotic looking rifle, put on the table against her by requisition officer. With her, several marines were preparing their weapons. Ridiculously big and heavy comparing to people handling cleaning and checks of said equipment, they handle it well. “So… do tell me exactly how is this working, if you can?” Kate asked, not entirely sure of her new weapon. “It is experimental energy blaster. Recoilless and personalized with ergonomic handles and compatible with all of the HR15’s attachments, including sights. Don’t ask me how it works but the people who brought it here for you gave me some characteristics for you…” He says, noticing she is not exactly capable of carrying this into battle. “You will carry this in your powered suit, do not bother. All those rifles were designed originally as heavy machine gun for supporting Liberty’s armed forces infantry...”
As preparations for the operation took place, captain received green light to begin from Overwatch. Belisarius was immerse way bigger capital ship than Geb-class carrier. Original Spyglass core did not left much else for ship’s interior, minimizing its potential combat capability. It is battleship nevertheless, relieving captain as he was spared dubious privilege of getting on wrong end of Belisarius guns. Setting direct course to the nebula, Konstantinov was little nervous of bringing Fedayeen into Liberty space. Previous encounter with Marduk on edge of New London system left not only roasted flesh of Nomad organic warship but significant damage to ship’s subsystems. What could not be repaired in the field was what worried commanding officer the most. While some weak points on the hull were temporarily abandoned and decompressed for the time being, sensor array proved defective beyond and subject to replace entirely. Their solution was wiring up recon variant of Sekhmet’s array as substitute until they could haul ship back to The Order space.
Vast hangars running along entire length of flight deck were depleted. Several snubcraft were given away under Atum’s care to replenish hardware losses before pulling Fedayeen out. Of the remaining fighter and bomber complement, six Sekhmet’s were cannibalized for spare parts and jury rigged solution for upcoming operation. Three freighters, according to specifications sent from Akabat were just optimal to safely activate and travel through the portal while carrying all manpower and supplies for duration of their stay on the other side. In space, at any time half squadron of O42D Bastet’s served to reinforce blind spots and overall reduced output of Geb’s coverage.
Knowing there is only one stable way out of the unnamed system beyond portal, captain further divided already diminished force to set up recovery plan in Pennsylvania, where returning operatives would emerge in once their job is done. Biggest concern was not passing through Liberty space itself but one particular system. Californian fleets were reinforced to counter Gallic advance and layout of the system itself left very little room for error. As previously, they would wait for the opportunity when another skirmish with either Royal Navy or local delusional warlords gives them a window to sneak through.
Wing of The Order fighters emerge from dark embrace of Edge World nebula. There is not much illuminating construction site on dark side of dead planet besides artificial lights brought by the crews. Docking bay and much of the actual structure was ready, allowing for partial manning of base. Katana fighter touched the artificial gravity pod on designated landing area before being picked up by mechanic arm to clear runway. Eventually Admiral Golanski emerged from the ship, walking to meet assembly of The Order soldiers. Salute was given by both sides before the highest ranked of the welcome committee went ahead of the supreme commanding officer.
“Welcome aboard Cairo, Admiral.” Said, greeting formally Michal onboard new acquisition for The Order. The most primary amenities are operational with the garrison ready to receive its own complement of fighters rather than relying solely on nearby warship’s protection. Admiral took his helmet off and let the security detachment lead him to meeting with the local commander. Finding him in observation deck, everyone present is free to contemplate upon serenity of system’s unique features. Still in shadow of the lifeless rock below them, the main attraction is not yet visible.
“I see you are not wasting your time, commander. Definitely, positively surprised about progress so far.” Golanski spoke, impressed by speed this development takes place at. “Do tell me, what we know so far about this place.” He inquired, wondering whether his people found anything since last report. “Recon cruiser is running twenty four hours per day, with all necessary shifts. While not busy monitoring our immediate vicinity, it charts other parts of the system. We had no luck in finding jumpholes yet but each system has at least two. Until then, we are alone here… with all that this system has to offer for the taking. Surveys already took place, asteroid belts look promising.”
Admiral kept listening carefully to officer’s speech, occasionally asking questions and receiving printed reports for what they already discovered and studied. Eventually, they begun emerging to witness the awe inspiring sight. “And to think our people will live here each day staring into eye of beholder…” Admiral commented, looking into accretion disc of ominous black hole on background of Crow nebula. “Masyaf is in stable orbit around event horizon, sir.” Officer reassured.
Alien derelict floated in dense cloud, standing monument to civilization past. Damaged structure dwarfed even a carrier, standing by to fulfil its role. “Operation is a go, deploying the task force now…” Commander has issued. Three small ships emerged from metal hull, setting course immediately towards extraterrestrial artifact. Human vessels had no issues interfacing with decayed systems of the gate, starting up sequence. Ship disappeared in almost instant blink of light, followed by two other vessels. There was nothing that could be done to help them, gate’s malfunction preventing OCV Fedayeen from following. Wasting no time, The Order was quick to rally its assets and move out. Eight marines and handful of scientists were now isolated and out of reach. Mission’s fate and their own very survival was in their hands from now on…
Unknown, deep space
All ships emerged after jump. The starscape before them was nothing else they have ever witnessed with their own eyes. Pilot on Valkyrie’s flight looked wide around. They emerged in fair distance to gas giant, leaving another gate behind them. Except this one refused to comply with everything humanity’s ingenuity could have been thrown at it. Their sightseeing was broken by scanners going crazy as ship systems went nominal. Kate unseated herself from her place in cargohold, making way towards pilot. “Arctic, snap out of it! We have work to do here…”
“Set course to a waypoint… engines at full power.” Valkyrie commanded, getting them into motion. While in transit, she had time to recollect her thoughts. Already had scouted this wicked place on earlier recon, given more than enough time to observe abnormality of this star system. “Readings are off the scale, commander” Her pilot elaborated, trying to relax in pilot’s seat despite what he saw. “Enormous radiation… we are not going to last in here.” Arctic expressed his doubts, realizing where they all just leaped into. The gate behind them was long dead, onboard electronics slowly falling to the environment. The only safe place for them was what they named The Shrine. Thought of boarding alien station in middle of nowhere was only slightly more comforting when compared to a choice of a slow death in deep space, away from home.
They had some time to themselves, able to speculate basing on informations they had. Seemingly source of hellish radiation was the sun itself. Fact that Nomads could not only survive but even thrive in this system was terrifying thought to a simple Order marine driving armored target practice through this void. Three fellow soldiers accompanied Valkyrie on this particular freighter. Arctic, serving in capacity as a pilot is veteran from Toledo battle. Earned his nickname due how he excelled himself on the frontlines against Core landing parties in freezing storms that set backed both sides. Nemesis was always a quiet one, most senior of the team. Chaos was his antithesis, serving in capacity as their heavy weapons specialist. Second freighter carried another fire team of four, third being essentially their supply ship. Along the ride, three scientists to aid them in tasks requiring considerable knowledge beyond zero gravity warfare drills. “Can’t wait to put this gem into use.” Chaos uttered, destroying the fragile and relative quiet enjoyed by rest of the crew. Nemesis looked no doubt grim at him, his face obstructed by full helmet of his armor.
Their hulls kept just fine on their voyage, meant to spare them from likely deadly consequences of exposure. Eventually they could make out an unusual structure in midst of dust field they plowed through. “This must be it” Arctic said out loud. Valkyrie tried to sleep but to no avail, already taken generous rest prior to the mission. If she could at least sleep over the uncertainty, ought to remain sound of mind when the time comes. End of the line eventually happened as they shut down cruise engines. Valkyrie took the ship’s comms to contact rest of the group. “Gear up everyone, we are moving in.” She called out to two remaining freighters. Templar, leading the other four to the frail. A non-combatant piloting their supply ship by name of Harris, sounded in. According to plan, he was to bring his ship last to allow boarding team to clear out landing spot. Unknowingly, all systems were restored to normal as if they were operating in any other normal star system. Arctic noticed it as he was drawing his pistol. Radiation gradually subsided the closer they were drawing to the opening.
“Rock’n’roll…” Chaos told to himself, waiting impatiently now for the action.
Shrine as the humans got to call it, was unique even by alien terms. While it resembled pattern found in Nomad vessels, their architecture always took shape to organic, hive-like structures. Closer look at massive arms stretching out of central spire gave impression that the hull is somewhat hybrid in nature. Surface appeared intermediary, drawing close to K’Haran features while still retaining strong hints of other influence. Nobody could answer for certain why and for what purpose, leaving more questions than answers. Interior brought no revelation either. Vast rooms and spacious corridors had no distinction whatsoever concerning up and down. Specific rotational symmetry provided three, six or even twelve surfaces as equivalent of docking bay revealed itself. Atmosphere provided luxurious proportions of gases necessary for human body yet luxuries ended at that. Entire arrangement and lack of artificial gravity provided significant challenge to even the most basic daily routines.
Small, local population remedied some of the drawbacks with bit of ingenuity and technology at their disposal. Landing pad housed random assortment of starships, some long since cannibalized for spare parts and equipment to get on with their lives in this inhospitable place. Pathways were set with generous amount of artificial gravity pads, allowing for more casual navigation in a way meant for human being.
Nobody expected the strike. First freighter slammed into the surface ungracefully, opening cargo doors for the marines to disembark. Chaos, Nemesis and Valkyrie floated out seeking for targets while Arctic made his best to join rest of his squad as soon as possible. They did not had to look far as one of the residents was caught unaware as Order ships made their final approach. Heavily armored figure dived immediately in his direction, coming to a halt only as magnetic boots got marine firmly attached. Seemingly civilian local took the heaviest tool of his at his disposal in desperate attempt to defend himself. Chaos lifted up his weapon, hesitating only for a few mere seconds to allow his first victim to die fighting. He had no second thoughts, squeezing the trigger as his power armor deflected the hit easily. “Was that supposed to hurt?” Soldier’s mockery were last words heard to Nomad sympathizer as brief stream of thick liquid ignited and engulfed him in flames. Second freighter’s made a landfall while still illuminated by livid living torch. Last signs of life were extinguished long before fire was put out.
Second fire team joined up shortly. Templar - self declared crusader knight - at least had more moderate company more fitting to Valkyrie’s liking. Thunder was cool headed operator, fielding heavy machine gun to provide fire support. Kitty’s been squads newest addition, fresh from training. While not treated on level with other professionals in the force while off-duty, right now it was her occasion to prove worth to rest of the marines. Finally, there is also Archer - field engineer by role, his skills and allegiance owed not that long time ago to Liberty armed forces. Not that Kate cared about it too much, remembering her own Reaper days. She decided to lead on immediately, wanting to be done with this bloodbath as soon as possible. “Let’s get this over with… form up and move out. Fire at will, leave no survivors.” Announcing, she took the lead deeper into the Shrine.
‘They are all eager to prove themselves… against that.’ Valkyrie considered, keeping her thoughts concerning her teammates to herself. This battle was everything but challenging and honorable, yet it was of no importance to Kate long since learning that fair play means death in the Sirian edge worlds. The opposition greeted them with small arms fire and makeshift defenses made out of whatever they could get their hands on. Only few ‘targets’ were armed with something more than civilian-grade pistols out of Detroit’s cheaper production line. Biggest threat they have faced so far was ‘target’ armed with a carbine, compact low-power energy rifle perfect for likes of spacefarers who do not feel comfortable with the handguns. Yet it was not a match against their armor, shrugging off desperate shots and impacts. They would normally use it against hi-tech opponents or The Wild whose strength was unmatched by non-infested human. Diving mass-less through corridors of triangular and hexagonal symmetry fashioned into alien infrastructure, pockets of resistance were falling one by one, leaving bloody mess and ripped pieces of their provisional cover. Mere troopers fresh out of academy or even underpaid planetside riot police of New Berlin are more adequate answer than The Order death squad.
It could have been justified perhaps by the fact they are out in the unknown… or importance of the task at hand. The overkill at hand and defenders inability to stop them brought her back to Freeport 9 and 11, back during collapse of the Zoner Alliance. Corsair onslaught was relentless, just like their attack on Shrine inhabitants. Still no sight of Kyle Sadler. Thunder as usual had nothing meaningful to share, creating an insane due with revitalized Chaos. Templar despite his weirdness kept cool head so far, beaten only by Nemesis. Archer’s enthusiasm was lowest, bored of work outside of his technical expertise. Kitty may yet earn some respect among the veterans as she keeps up with the formation. Nothing extra was to be said about Arctic: solid soldier, nothing less and nothing more.
They were descending towards depths of the installation - or so they thought - in hot pursuit. Announcing reload, Kate replaced energy cell in her blaster rifle, just in time to spot the last survivors of their onslaught. “My right, get him” She pointed at the side corridor. Directions made not much sense here, each marine grappling to wherever best at the moment with their special boots. To overcome it, groups like them developed an helmet-bound networked interface to ease commander’s task. Templar took a big jump, bouncing off with haste towards the traitor. Valkyrie and Chaos followed, more carefully quickly losing contact with overzealous officer. “Templar, regroup. Templar!” Interference made it impossible to establish meaningful communication on board on longer distances onboard. Archer’s been rolling cable behind himself to keep in touch with their landing spot. Sighing, she abandons pursuit and turns to come back the same way she arrived. Chaos lagged, his heavy gear making chase an unprovability. Exchanging looks with his leader, both rejoined the squadron at spacious sphere which apparently was used as local’s storage. Thunder kept a captive at gunpoint, denying him way of escape with heavy weight of his machine gun. “He surrendered…” He explained, staring at his would be victim. Valkyrie grabbed her pistol by the barrel and handed gun to Kitty.
Kate did not knew what bothered her most: the detachment from current events or the discomfort she ignored all the way through.
Short burst rained upon the surface, failing to produce any effect other than couple of shrapnels. Giant, solid wall smothered the ripples across the surface where the bullets hit. Impervious to any attempts of breaching, blueish barrier just stood there denying further access. Walking slowly towards the force field for last time, Thunder helplessly looked through transparent confinement to continuation of the tunnel he has attempted to explore. His weapon was not an argument this particular technology would accept and neither anyone in the team managed to dent any of the force fields they have located since the battle. This quiet troubled him, instinctively looking for targets in dark corners of the Shrine. Once prompted to almost open fire at a false alarm, mistakenly taking the ambient for a warning. He hated the place, wondering how those who fell at his hand could bear living in these conditions. Some of the corridors were as wide to let a Nomad fighter through with ease, occupying his mind with thoughts as if they landed on some kind of alien hive. He has never seen any with his own eyes but heard of the Omicron 92 in particular, which The Order has disabled in course of Nomad War. He turned around, walking in slow pace back where he came from. Meeting Archer on his way, just as lucky he was in scouting for passage into depths of the station. He became even more concerned with his duties, dismissing the psychological burden of the site on his psyche.
The other teams came short as well. What has once been a hole Templar dived in, was no longer there. Arctic and Kitty’s morale were pretty low considering likely loss of a comrade for a reason that stupid as not listening to orders of superior officer. Getting lost in a Nomad maze was no small deal, they suspected. The newbie in particular debated out loud chances their second in command had for survival. In truth none of them truly could comprehend event that took place. Arctic cursed on some of the smaller ratholes he’s been sneaking through most of the day to no effect. On their return trip, they could see Valkyrie conversing with one of the scientists left behind during the purge. They insisted they have went through then-disabled Nomad forcefield and that until they find power source and way to turn it off, they will never breach through. So it was their task to locate it, cut short only to encounter more and more barriers. They wanted to just let eggheads do what they came here for and evacuate as fast as humanly possible - with or without Templar who has in no way been any relevant to the two as of yet..
Hours passed, Kate fell gradually less at peace with thought of alien station changing the rules. Explanation of defense mechanism kicking in as soon whatever controlled Shrine came into awareness of intruders was possible explanation yet still unsettling. Were they being observed? Were they facing living being, some sort of artificial intelligence or merely predictable, automated protocol? She came into awareness of prospect of Nomad created intelligence only recently, being briefed about Scorpion-class gunboats. If a task was too menial to be fulfilled by Nomad entity, such semi-organic monster may have been designed for such maintenance. Even if so far they never encountered mass-use of ‘that’, they were fully aware they were inside of nothing else they have ever encountered during The Order’s mission. It was her turn to patrol, this time exploring yet another segment of the Shrine, treading with caution well advised in first contact scenario they found themselves in. Discovery of faint shadow ahead put her into caution. Holding still, Valkyrie scanned environment and decided to advance. Slow and deliberate movements followed, thinking to both calm herself from combat high and own concealment. An error, she noted, forgetting entire armor in the way rendering stealthy approach a futile exercise. Stress of her work caught up with her yet the shadow failed to account for her presence.
Nevertheless the advantage of moving slow will pay off if in need of reacting to the development. Able to quickly jump out of danger, holding rifle at steady to address any target in front with several bursts of heavy caliber bullets. Following deeper, she make careful note of her potential escape route - leaving little to chance, avoiding possibility of frantic retreat. She wanted to have upper hand when confronting the unknown, moving from best fire line location to the other. Whether it was by miracle someone that missed the cull or Templar himself, it did not mattered as she wanted to smack the latter disciplinary anyway. Sound of heavy gunfire enhanced by claustrophobic tunnel urged her to back off to safety. She jumped.