Word’s come down from the usual suspects – the maelstrom has passed, Omega-11 is a much more tolerable hellscape now. Systems intelligence has requested a reconnaissance flight to determine the current state of the system and generate a preliminary stellar model.
In compliance with orders issued by Group Commander Foxwell, I departed Cairo Station and made my way to Corsair territory, with a stop at Dabadoru to refuel. Despite some fumbling with older starcharts, I eventually found access through the Omega-55 system. A more amenable route will have to be developed later.
Omega-11 appears to retain much of its former stellography. Solar emissions were markedly increased compared to prior records and accompanied by visible flares from the star.
System exploitation appears to be renewed, if stunted. A number of civilian installations were found among the asteroid belt and the former industrial hub Solarius Station appears to be operational. Several mining convoys were observed hailing from House Rheinland.
First contact in the system was with a Daumann convoy, just outside the Stuttgart jumpgate. The crew were markedly relaxed towards me, even noting my affiliation. 10 diamond samples were purchased for 2,500,000 credits, subtracted from the flight discretionary account.
The second incident of note was with a Kruger mining ship. While initially amenable, inquiries into their mining activities were summarily refused. I chose not to push the point, and took my leave.
My flight back to Cairo Station was without incident. I left the diamond samples with the local logistics officer.
Ensign Lucius Tane Pharaoh
7th Force Recon Squadron, OCVN-48 Dulce et Decorum
Mission Results
Rheinland Corporations potentially willing to do business under the table
[11.05.2023 17:50:26] Pharaoh: Hey there, friend. You on the job?
[11.05.2023 17:50:45] {DHC}Innsbruck: Guten tag, Order vessel
[11.05.2023 17:50:55] Pharaoh: Good hail. Got a moment?
[11.05.2023 17:51:01] {DHC}Innsbruck: What brings you here, to this backwater
[11.05.2023 17:51:09] {DHC}Innsbruck: we might, if you're quick
[11.05.2023 17:51:12] Pharaoh: I have a feeling you might be holding some.
[11.05.2023 17:51:13] {DHC}Innsbruck: time is money after all
[11.05.2023 17:51:24] Pharaoh: Money can be exchanged.
[11.05.2023 17:51:43] Pharaoh: What is it you're mining all the way out here, in this hellhole?
[11.05.2023 17:51:52] Death: Molotof was put out of action by a hostile vessel.
[11.05.2023 17:51:56] {DHC}Innsbruck: Diamonds
[11.05.2023 17:52:00] {DHC}Innsbruck: best way to get girls
[11.05.2023 17:52:08] Pharaoh: I can tell. You hauling now, then?
[11.05.2023 17:52:25] {DHC}Innsbruck: aye, we going to deliver to our local storage plant, then distribute from there
[11.05.2023 17:52:46] Pharaoh: Would you be willing to let a few fall off the back? Above whole-sale, of course.
[11.05.2023 17:53:29] Pharaoh: I can pay 2 million credits for 10 samples.
[11.05.2023 17:53:35] {DHC}Innsbruck: we can do that
[11.05.2023 17:53:40] Pharaoh: Capital!
[11.05.2023 17:54:06] Pharaoh: Thanks for the chat, friend.
[11.05.2023 17:54:08] Pharaoh: Safe skies.
[11.05.2023 17:54:14] {DHC}Innsbruck: pleasure doing business. I need to get moving, otherwise my boss will be on my tail
[11.05.2023 18:00:12] Pharaoh: Hey there, friend. Hot enough for ya?
[11.05.2023 18:00:22] Kruger|KTS-Borkum: Yes Warm here!
[11.05.2023 18:00:34] Kruger|KTS-Borkum: And you are looking for?
[11.05.2023 18:01:15] Pharaoh: I've already gotten my samples from those fine Daumann folks, but I could always do with more.
[11.05.2023 18:01:21] Pharaoh: Unless you've got something else to offer?
[11.05.2023 18:01:48] Kruger|KTS-Borkum: I mean you talking to a miner, i only got Diamonds
[11.05.2023 18:02:05] Pharaoh: Right, but surely you mine other things?
[11.05.2023 18:02:25] Kruger|KTS-Borkum: Sure, not me but Kruger mines also other minerals
[11.05.2023 18:02:53] Pharaoh: I've got credits if you're willing to let me know where?
[11.05.2023 18:03:05] Kruger|KTS-Borkum: Of cause not
[11.05.2023 18:03:24] Pharaoh: Fair enough. Thanks for the chat.
[11.05.2023 18:03:33] Kruger|KTS-Borkum: Have a good day
Due to recent losses in Omicron Zeta (as well as Ensign Tane’s neglect to perform routine ship maintenance), Cairo Station’s medical stockpile fell below the acceptable threshold. With logistics officer Thule on assignment in house space, I opted to attempt a supply run on my own.
Following the trail found by Tane, I made my way to Omega-11. I had intended to vector towards the Stuttgart jump gate, but encountered a Corvo-class civilian explorer, as well as several anomalies. The captain of the civilian explorer is a Doctor “Batsbak” (no first name given), who claims to be the administrator of Arnsberg Station, in New Berlin. The doctor was in the process of studying the local anomalies as part of his research into abnormal stellar phenomena – including the study of jump holes. While I can make no sense of the Doctor’s research, his studies into particle physics may well prove useful.
In addition to describing his research, the encounter with Doctor Batsbak proved fruitful. My original plan was to attempt to appeal to samaritans or sympathizers traversing the Omega trade corridor, but the Doctor happened to be heading home to Rheinland. More importantly, the Doctor was aware of the legal complications of my affiliation – and eventually agreed to purchase the pharmaceuticals on my behalf after learning of Ensign Tane’s condition. I took my leave from the Doctor after the exchange and told him that I would be in contact should there be interest in his research.
The pharmaceuticals were delivered to the base logistics officer upon my arrival to Cairo.
Group Beta Commander Janus Foxwell Advocate
OCVW-53 Carrier Tactical Wing, OCVN-48 Dulce et Decorum
[15.05.2023 14:34:39] Advocate: Greetings, captain.
[15.05.2023 14:34:52] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Greetings Sir
[15.05.2023 14:35:13] Advocate: That's an awfully pretty ball of light you've found there.
[15.05.2023 14:35:48] Advocate: May I ask what you're doing with it?
[15.05.2023 14:35:51] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Indeed, i am trying to solve why they appear here.
[15.05.2023 14:36:20] Advocate: Noble. Here comes another one now.
[15.05.2023 14:37:10] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: I have a suspicion that it is related to the radiation of this red giant
[15.05.2023 14:37:35] Advocate: Interesting. What *is* it, exactly?
[15.05.2023 14:39:02] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: It seems to be a kind of plasma, i.e. particles from the asteroids that have been heated to ultra-high temperatures by the
[15.05.2023 14:39:07] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: radiations from the start
[15.05.2023 14:39:13] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: *star
[15.05.2023 14:39:29] Advocate: I've been in some quite irradiated systems, and I've never seen anything like this.
[15.05.2023 14:39:39] Advocate: No nebulas either.
[15.05.2023 14:39:58] Advocate: Not to question the veracity of your research, of course.
[15.05.2023 14:40:37] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Well that is why i am here, there is something going on with this Star and i want to know what.
[15.05.2023 14:40:41] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Excuse me for asking, but what is a pilot of the order doing here in this otherwise empty system?#
[15.05.2023 14:41:13] Advocate: A friend of mine - brother, really - came for a fly here some time ago.
[15.05.2023 14:41:46] Advocate: He said the locals were quite nice, despite the inclement weather.
[15.05.2023 14:42:02] Advocate: But let me ask you, what would you know of the Order?
[15.05.2023 14:42:59] Advocate: An opinion would be acceptable, friend. I'm sure you've had enough of the scientific method.
[15.05.2023 14:43:42] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Nothing much, mostly that you operate within the Omicrons.
[15.05.2023 14:44:19] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: And that they are not welcome in many houses.
[15.05.2023 14:44:24] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: you*
[15.05.2023 14:44:30] Advocate: True enough on both counts.
[15.05.2023 14:45:31] Advocate: Though I might add that many of my, er, 'friends' would be interested in your research.
[15.05.2023 14:46:32] Advocate: You're a particle physicist by study, correct, captain?
[15.05.2023 14:47:02] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Astrophysics to be exact.
[15.05.2023 14:47:53] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: What research are we talking about?
[15.05.2023 14:48:02] Advocate: I would presume that you are invested in the production of stellar models, then?
[15.05.2023 14:48:33] Advocate: That would depend on what you have to offer.
[15.05.2023 14:49:26] Advocate: The organization I belong to has invested in the sciences for some time. Thankfully, beyond the borders of houses.
[15.05.2023 14:49:51] Advocate: The vessel I am piloting is proof enough of that.
[15.05.2023 14:50:37] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Well, mainly I deal with special celestial bodies. Neutron stars, black holes, jump holes and the like.
[15.05.2023 14:50:53] Advocate: Sounds fun. That last part, about the jumpholes, especially.
[15.05.2023 14:51:46] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: What would you like to know?
[15.05.2023 14:52:37] Advocate: Off the top of my head? The star here was predicted to expire.
[15.05.2023 14:53:02] Advocate: Evidently, the corporations of house Rheinland were quite confident in those estimates.
[15.05.2023 14:53:21] Advocate: They pulled all support out of the system, despite the lucrative diamond enterprise.
[15.05.2023 14:53:34] Advocate: Do you have any idea why this did not come to pass?
[15.05.2023 14:55:19] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: What I have heard is that because of the radiation the readings are waiting and then the amount of helium in the star was
[15.05.2023 14:55:26] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: miscalculated.
[15.05.2023 14:56:08] Advocate: That's interesting. I'm no physicist - uh, astrophysicist -
[15.05.2023 14:56:25] Advocate: But the star seems to have undergone a change of some kind.
[15.05.2023 14:56:37] Advocate: These anomalies seem to indicate as much.
[15.05.2023 14:57:23] Advocate: In any case, I feel that exercising hypotheticals may not be the best use of your time.
[15.05.2023 14:57:47] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: I must admit that I have not dealt with this star. The changes could be due to the isotope of helium in the core of the star.
[15.05.2023 14:57:47] Advocate: I feel that I should introduce myself - Janus Foxwell, captain.
[15.05.2023 14:58:16] Advocate: May I ask your name?
[15.05.2023 14:58:27] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: And I am just starting this research, as this is also just a side project.
[15.05.2023 14:58:41] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: My name is Dr. Batsbak
[15.05.2023 14:58:54] Advocate: It is good to meet you, Doctor.
[15.05.2023 14:59:00] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: likewise
[15.05.2023 14:59:57] Advocate: I'm not normally one to ask favors of new acquaintances, but I have an ask, doctor.
[15.05.2023 15:00:08] Advocate: Are you heading back to House Rheinland anytime soon?
[15.05.2023 15:00:59] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Yes, in fact I was just on my way back when you arrived.
[15.05.2023 15:01:16] Advocate: That friend I mentioned - his name is Lucius.
[15.05.2023 15:01:44] Advocate: He's come down with a bad case of radiation poisoning, due to the obvious.
[15.05.2023 15:02:09] Advocate: As you said, I wouldn't be terribly welcome back there, but I was hoping you could pick me up some pharmaceuticals in stuttgart
[15.05.2023 15:02:21] Advocate: I would be more than willing to compensate you for your time.
[15.05.2023 15:03:52] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Okay, but no one can know about this. Legally, I am not allowed to work with you.
[15.05.2023 15:04:14] Advocate: If things go my way, no one would ever know, doctor.
[15.05.2023 15:04:40] Advocate: 50 units from the resort planet, Baden-Baden would suffice.
[15.05.2023 15:05:17] Advocate: I can provide you with 15 million credits for the trip.
[15.05.2023 15:05:49] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Alright, follow me.
[15.05.2023 15:06:09] Advocate: As you say, doctor.
[15.05.2023 15:06:35] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: We will be heading to a jumphole to Stuttgart.
[15.05.2023 15:07:12] Advocate: I wasn't aware of that. Lucius' map was only rudimentary, unfortunately.
[15.05.2023 15:07:33] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: How long was your friend exposed to the radiation?
[15.05.2023 15:07:55] Advocate: I'm not sure, but the radiation wasn't the problem.
[15.05.2023 15:08:13] Advocate: Unfortunately, his ship's filters were clogged up by scrubbies.
[15.05.2023 15:08:32] Advocate: He would have been fine if they were in working order.
[15.05.2023 15:09:10] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Does he have any symptoms now?
[15.05.2023 15:09:34] Advocate: He does, else I would have waited for a local convoy.
[15.05.2023 15:09:49] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Alright, wait here. Ill get you what you need
[15.05.2023 15:15:26] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Alright, this should be everything you need
[15.05.2023 15:15:35] [2023-05-15] 15:15:35 You have sent 15.000.000 credits to DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak.
[15.05.2023 15:15:39] Advocate: Thank you, friend.
[15.05.2023 15:15:49] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: It is important that you protect yourself from radiation. He himself could also emit radiation.
[15.05.2023 15:16:10] Advocate: I'll keep it in mind - his treatment isn't my responsibility, thankfully.
[15.05.2023 15:16:19] Advocate: May I ask you one last thing?
[15.05.2023 15:16:25] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: If is isnt getting any better. Get in touch with me.
[15.05.2023 15:16:31] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: sure, what is it?
[15.05.2023 15:16:32] Advocate: I was about to ask just that.
[15.05.2023 15:16:53] Advocate: I wasn't lying about being interested in your research - I may be able to arrange for a grant some day.
[15.05.2023 15:17:02] Advocate: Where can I contact you, if need be?
[15.05.2023 15:17:32] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Send a massage the the Arnsberg Station in New Berlin. Most of the time i am there
[15.05.2023 15:17:44] Advocate: Arnsberg. New Berlin.
[15.05.2023 15:17:48] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: I am the administator of this Station
[15.05.2023 15:18:03] Advocate: Understood; I will attempt to relay my messages through otherwise neutral stations.
[15.05.2023 15:18:20] Advocate: Freeport 11 in Omicron Delta is my most frequented.
[15.05.2023 15:18:30] Advocate: Corfu Base in Omicron Theta is another.
[15.05.2023 15:18:44] Advocate: Thank you for the medicine friend. I hope we meet again.
[15.05.2023 15:19:05] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: I do get to travel there occasionally as well.
[15.05.2023 15:19:17] DSR-Dr.Richard_Batsbak: Alright, take care of yourselfe and your friend.
I’ve just had an interesting encounter. I found a Zoner trying to access the Orillion Minefield (ship registration natural.logarithm.e). It wasn’t carrying anything of note, just a regular old starflier. The pilot claimed to be a middleman for some of the Black Fleet higher-ups – they mentioned some unnamed colonel a few times. Xenoarchaeology, too.
I don’t want to go poking into some Black Fleet goon’s business, but this might need to be escalated. They aren’t even listed in the database – let alone clearance for half the things they were talking about.
Appended is a prior escort with the OCV-Unto Nightfall, after my hospital clearance.
It’s in Advocate’s corner now.
Ensign Lucius Tane Pharaoh
7th Force Recon Squadron, OCVN-48 Dulce et Decorum
[18.05.2023 20:01:12] Pharaoh: Hey there. Do me a favor and cut your engines.
[18.05.2023 20:01:39] natural.logarithm.e: Hello
[18.05.2023 20:02:00] Pharaoh: Afraid I'm going to need to run a quick scan, friend.
[18.05.2023 20:02:12] Pharaoh: All clean. Where you headed?
[18.05.2023 20:02:16] natural.logarithm.e: I'm making a deal with your people, intending to construct interesting mining vessels for your use.
[18.05.2023 20:02:42] natural.logarithm.e: If you wish to know more, you may as well escort me to the depths of Delta, place where my waypoint is.
[18.05.2023 20:03:05] Pharaoh: I'm more than happy to do so, friend.
[18.05.2023 20:03:13] Pharaoh: Glad we didn't need to make this an issue.
[18.05.2023 20:03:23] natural.logarithm.e: Please do, it's fairly unsafe in this little ship of my, a single hit would turn it to pieces.
[18.05.2023 20:03:58] natural.logarithm.e: Your people wish to exploit resources at hand, much like Iridum, and I presume some of the Nomad things, Azurite and such.
[18.05.2023 20:04:17] natural.logarithm.e: I myself do not know all of your plans.
[18.05.2023 20:04:23] natural.logarithm.e: Jumping to Zeta.
[18.05.2023 20:04:48] natural.logarithm.e: I was given an assignment to assist in the construction that is meant to be swift.
[18.05.2023 20:05:01] Pharaoh: Listen, Iridium's one thing.
[18.05.2023 20:05:20] Pharaoh: Azurite gas is another. I'm not sure how well the protectorate would tolerate that.
[18.05.2023 20:05:33] Pharaoh: You might want to breach that issue sooner than later.
[18.05.2023 20:05:41] natural.logarithm.e: I'm sure you wish to obtain as many of those things as possible.
[18.05.2023 20:05:51] natural.logarithm.e: It is not something that I am interested in.
[18.05.2023 20:06:06] Pharaoh: Neither am I.
[18.05.2023 20:06:08] natural.logarithm.e: Jumping to Delta.
[18.05.2023 20:06:43] Pharaoh: But we've got standing orders to /confiscate/ that stuff.
[18.05.2023 20:06:46] natural.logarithm.e: Matter a fact, I was asked by one of your Colonels, of the primary fleet. I assume they're one of the most respected.
[18.05.2023 20:07:11] Pharaoh: If you've got your permissions, it's all good by me.
[18.05.2023 20:07:39] natural.logarithm.e: I am not the one who will, obtain any of that matters. I'm acquiring some schematics for the vessels.
[18.05.2023 20:07:55] natural.logarithm.e: It's a way of making a living.
[18.05.2023 20:08:19] Pharaoh: I hear that. The way you talk, you're part of a bigger group.
[18.05.2023 20:08:24] Pharaoh: Got a name?
[18.05.2023 20:09:01] natural.logarithm.e: I'm a Xenoarcheologist, assisting the Order Overwatch in their profound research interests into Daam-K'Vosh.
[18.05.2023 20:09:37] natural.logarithm.e: My safe haven is usually Akabat, though, now far from it, I'm having different issues. I'm a busy man, if you will.
[18.05.2023 20:09:53] Pharaoh: Then I won't keep you. Good luck, friend.
[18.05.2023 20:09:57] natural.logarithm.e: The Colonel asked me not to expose my name, neither his, for the sake of the operation.
[18.05.2023 20:10:21] natural.logarithm.e: Anyway, your assistance will be told to the esteemed Overwatch. Anyway, I've reached my waypoint.
[18.05.2023 20:10:32] natural.logarithm.e: Good luck out there Agent.
[18.05.2023 20:10:39] Pharaoh: Safe skies, er, doctor?
[18.05.2023 20:11:19] natural.logarithm.e: Godspeed
[16.05.2023 15:58:30] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Good day, Operative Pharaoh.
[16.05.2023 15:58:34] Pharaoh: Hey there, captain. Everything green?
[16.05.2023 15:58:53] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: The route to the Minor jump hole is clear. As is Minor.
[16.05.2023 15:59:07] Pharaoh: As you say.
[16.05.2023 15:59:29] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Do we need to worry about any unpleasant surprises on our way to Epsilon?
[16.05.2023 15:59:46] Pharaoh: I'm not certain. I'd be happy to clear the way for you, though.
[16.05.2023 15:59:57] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: We'll gladly accept an escort.
[16.05.2023 16:00:00] Pharaoh: I wouldn't ever really say that system is uh.
[16.05.2023 16:00:02] Pharaoh: 'Clear'.
[16.05.2023 16:00:14] Pharaoh: Operationally or otherwise.
[16.05.2023 16:00:25] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: We only need to reach Fort Carthage without any interference.
[16.05.2023 16:00:30] Pharaoh: Wilco.
[16.05.2023 16:00:45] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: What outfit are you with, Operative?
[16.05.2023 16:01:26] Pharaoh: 7th force recon, OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum. Attached to the protectorate defense force.
[16.05.2023 16:01:54] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Ah, the Dulce et Decorum. One of our pilots reported her in the other day.
[16.05.2023 16:02:23] Pharaoh: Really? I haven't been home in a while. Where at?
[16.05.2023 16:02:34] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Passing through Delta, I believe.
[16.05.2023 16:03:33] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Local patrols seem tight. Good to see.
[16.05.2023 16:04:22] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Thank you for the escort, Operative.
[16.05.2023 16:04:45] Pharaoh: No thanks needed, captain. Keep it tight, I'm getting the hell out of here.
[16.05.2023 16:04:53] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Good luck.
[16.05.2023 16:05:06] Pharaoh: The same to you.
[16.05.2023 16:05:21] Unto.Nightfall|S8: Trasser: Fort Carthage, Unto Nightfall. Commencing mooring procedures.
At approximately 15:20:00, the Geb - class assault carrier Dulce et Decorum arrived in the Omicron Delta system, by way of Omicron Zeta. Shortly after arriving in-system, a large Nomad warform was observed in combat with a far greater Order force. It was judged that the flotilla of cruisers was sufficient to handle the threat – the Xeno warform however, defied those expectations and escaped from the battle. Upon further examination, the warform was determined to be a strain of the Siris, and likely a hivemind control node.
Despite the best efforts of the Dulce, the Siris continued to flee from a pitched battle. The alien organism cloaked regularly, and at one point led a chase into the corona of Delta’s primary star. Unfortunately, the carrier’s aging engines were not sufficient to continue the chase, and the warform escaped. Damage sustained during the pursuit required the patrol to be cancelled early.
Upon return to Omicron Mu via the Minor corridor, the Deskret II, an Overwatch asteroid miner was encountered. Evidently, the report filed by Ensign Tane does not require additional action on the part of OCVW-53.
The ship just isn’t doing well anymore. Half of the parts we have on-hand are from when the Isis was still around. I’ve called back Thule, you two are going to need to get a game plan together.
Captain Julan Phenix Vizier
OCVN-48 Dulce et Decorum
OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: New contact on scanners.
[20.05.2023 15:29:56] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: Looks like it's being handled. Pushing off.
[20.05.2023 15:32:56] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: Nomad warform sighted - control node likely. Priority target marked.
[20.05.2023 15:33:40] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: Gunnery free to fire at will. Annihilate it.
[20.05.2023 15:45:46] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: You're not going anywhere.
[20.05.2023 15:49:50] N'Sari: *images flood your mind of a small animal being hunted by a larger predator. You sense amusement*
[20.05.2023 15:51:38] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: There you are.
[20.05.2023 16:10:41] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: Good day, Agent.
[20.05.2023 16:11:01] Order|Deshret-2: Greetings OCV Dulce et Decorum. Steady to give up your life for the colonies?
[20.05.2023 16:11:12] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: If only. Our chase ran dry in Delta.
[20.05.2023 16:11:31] Order|Deshret-2: Code green, no bogeys spotted nearby. Over.
[20.05.2023 16:11:35] OCV-Dulce.et.Decorum: R: Affirm.
I have a severe headache, and the fumes are not helping anything.
After prospecting for logistical leads on Freeport 11, I launched to find a large bounty hunter contact in front of me, as well as an agent – callsign Vagabond (fitting). The vessel in question was a civilian frigate which carried no cargo, save for the hunter-aligned crew. By the time I launched, all parties were within the no-fire zone, without active hostilities.
The agent accused the bounty hunter captain - Azora Westrok - of supplying Core interests within the system. Westrok accepted the veracity of this claim, though not without some hollow words of “merely engaging in commerce” and “providing lifesaving supplies”. Eventually, OCV-Ptah and OCV-Cognito, both Osiris-class battleships, entered the scene seeking to provide support. It is my assumption that their intervention was fueled by an obnoxiously large sensor contact, as I was also taken aback initially.
Vagabond attempted to persuade all agents to breach the No-Fire-Zone (phrasing intentional – blackbox logs show the agent’s intent to be quite clear) and destroy the vessel. The captain of the OCV-Ptah dissented, with the OCV-Cognito confirming their support for the Ptah. I eventually came to the conclusion that we had nothing to gain from destroying an empty (though admittedly not unarmed) transport, and agreed with the Ptah. Vagabond eventually assented to the decision, and all Order vessels departed.
I spent some time providing fire support for the Ptah and Cognito, then took my leave to refuel at Dabadoru.
Upon further reflection on the laws of the NFZ, I have come to several conclusions. The first is that we were the violating parties in this case - the presence of two unauthorized capitals ships (battleships no less) is a violation of section 4. There may be an argument to be made due to the large sensor profile of the frigate, but that is neither here nor there at this juncture. The second is that, while agent Vagabondcould have engaged, section 5 still holds both parties in equal guilt. It is my strong belief that we could argue against this, as Freeport 11 lies in a system well-known for its conflicts between the Order and the Core - it could be presented that the Core and their aligned forces tried to draw the Freeport into the hostilities between both parties.
Regardless, best to stray from engaging within the NFZ. I'd rather my next port of call in house space not be Rochester. Or Kreuzberg, may Carina forbid it.
Group Beta Commander Janus Foxwell Advocate
OCVW-53 Carrier Tactical Wing, OCVN-48 Dulce et Decorum
[Notes are append-only. No other changes or deletions have occurred.]
[21.05.2023 18:51:59] "Vagabond"|S8: Oh good, another operative.
[21.05.2023 18:52:05] Advocate: Ah hell, just what I needed. [Referring to what I assumed was a Core warship]
[21.05.2023 18:52:32] "Vagabond"|S8: This fine bounty hunter captain - on top of being a bounty hunter - has admitted to supplying the Core's operations in the -
[21.05.2023 18:52:33] "Vagabond"|S8: system.
[21.05.2023 18:52:41] Advocate: Peachy.
[21.05.2023 18:53:03] "Vagabond"|S8: Of course, we can't do much inside the freeport's NFZ.
[21.05.2023 18:53:05] Advocate: Remind me - the current administration here still pretending to uphold the NFZ? [Freeport 11 has changed hands between multiple administrations, each with their own definition of the NFZ.]
[21.05.2023 18:53:07] Advocate: Ah.
[21.05.2023 18:53:28] Azora.Westrok: Guess that makes things simple then doesn't it
[21.05.2023 18:53:43] "Vagabond"|S8: Guess you're stuck here.
[21.05.2023 18:54:01] Azora.Westrok: The pair of you aren't a concern.
[21.05.2023 18:54:17] "Vagabond"|S8: He's got balls, I'll give him that.
[21.05.2023 18:54:42] Advocate: Unfortunately, I'm liable to agree. [Referring to Westrok's statement.]
[21.05.2023 18:54:59] Advocate: What's the provenance of the crew I see there?
[21.05.2023 18:55:22] Azora.Westrok: This is a transport ship. I can't manage it on my own
[21.05.2023 18:55:48] Advocate: Not civilians then, that makes it simpler than I feared.
[21.05.2023 18:56:19] "Vagabond"|S8: Ah, the big guns arrive. [OCV-Ptah and Cognito arrive within the NFZ.]
[21.05.2023 18:56:20] Azora.Westrok: Some of them are civilians. I don't force being a bounty hunter on them all. They know what they sign up for
[21.05.2023 18:56:28] Advocate: You're right. They do.
[21.05.2023 18:56:47] Azora.Westrok: Greetings once again, Cognito
[21.05.2023 18:56:47] OCV-Cognito: greetings
[21.05.2023 18:56:53] "Vagabond"|S8: Hail, Cognito.
[21.05.2023 18:57:04] OCV-Cognito: hail Vagabond
[21.05.2023 18:57:23] "Vagabond"|S8: I'll put it bluntly, I'll gladly look the other way if we decide to interpret the NFZ a little more ... liberally.
[21.05.2023 18:57:48] Advocate: I'm happy to sit this one out. I'm not terribly enthused with the idea of gunning people down at a freeport.
[21.05.2023 18:58:04] "Vagabond"|S8: Look at it this way. The freeport will easily pick up any escape pods.
[21.05.2023 18:58:09] "Vagabond"|S8: The only real loss will be the ship.
[21.05.2023 18:58:27] OCV-Cognito: what's going on here in the first place
[21.05.2023 18:58:28] Advocate: Maybe. But it appears to me that the decision lies in the hands of the Cognito.
[21.05.2023 18:58:34] Azora.Westrok: I should think the Order would be above such things.
[21.05.2023 18:58:52] "Vagabond"|S8: Well, Cognito, this bounty hunter transport has confessed to supplying the Core's operations in the system.
[21.05.2023 18:59:01] "Vagabond"|S8: On top of that, it is - well - a bounty hunter transport.
[21.05.2023 18:59:03] Advocate: Specifics would make this an easier call.
[21.05.2023 18:59:31] "Vagabond"|S8: Point is, we can't just have our sworn enemies waltzing about unchallenged and unchecked.
[21.05.2023 18:59:52] Azora.Westrok: I think you've done both at this point, Vagabond.
[21.05.2023 18:59:55] OCV-Cognito: The core are our enemies, not any one bounty hunter. The house work with teh core yet they are not our enemy so to say
[21.05.2023 19:00:33] "Vagabond"|S8: As you might recall, the Core is a sick evolution of the bounty hunters guild.
[21.05.2023 19:00:41] "Vagabond"|S8: They are practically related.
[21.05.2023 19:00:47] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: What is going on here?
[21.05.2023 19:01:14] "Vagabond"|S8: And are you maybe forgetting that the bounty hunters are regularly hired across Sirius to hunt us?
[21.05.2023 19:01:16] OCV-Cognito: that may be true but I don't feel as if we need to shoot at this one... in a Zoner no fire zone
[21.05.2023 19:01:44] "Vagabond"|S8: So, what is your plan then? We just turn a blind eye and let them continue undermining us?
[21.05.2023 19:01:47] Advocate: I concur. We could just as easily wait for their ilk to arrive. You said it yourself, they're practically related.
[21.05.2023 19:02:29] Azora.Westrok: At least there is one voice of reason here. I have no outstanding issue with you all.
[21.05.2023 19:02:38] Advocate: I said no such thing.
[21.05.2023 19:02:40] "Vagabond"|S8: And yet you assist our enemies.
[21.05.2023 19:02:52] Azora.Westrok: Everyone needs food and water.
[21.05.2023 19:02:59] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: We can sit here and wait for him to leave the no-fire zone and waste everyone's time
[21.05.2023 19:03:00] Advocate: You'd starve us out just as well.
[21.05.2023 19:03:19] Azora.Westrok: Not if you asked for help. I am not Core.
[21.05.2023 19:03:31] "Vagabond"|S8: You are a gods damned bounty hunter.
[21.05.2023 19:03:33] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: Or we can abide by the Zoner's rules, and go our separate ways for this instance
[21.05.2023 19:03:38] Advocate: A bounty hunter transport isn't exctly a common thing. [Responding to Westrok.]
[21.05.2023 19:04:04] OCV-Cognito: As the rules go, we will not attack a ship in a no firezone.
[21.05.2023 19:04:25] "Vagabond"|S8: Oh, the NFZ be damned.
[21.05.2023 19:04:34] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: Take your tone down a notch
[21.05.2023 19:04:43] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: Or you'll be repremanded
[21.05.2023 19:04:53] "Vagabond"|S8: By all means, file a report, captain.
[21.05.2023 19:04:58] "Vagabond"|S8: That is your good right.
[21.05.2023 19:05:00] Advocate: *laughs* Go ahead. Reprimand them.
[21.05.2023 19:05:51] "Vagabond"|S8: An enemy presents himself on a silver platter and we are arguing about whether or not his current location is of relevance.
[21.05.2023 19:05:58] "Vagabond"|S8: Ridiculous.
[21.05.2023 19:06:11] "Vagabond"|S8: A fluke of stellar geography is preventing us from performing our duty. [I'll need to remember this one!]
[21.05.2023 19:06:20] Advocate: You hadn't fired the first shot when I arrived.
[21.05.2023 19:06:25] Azora.Westrok: Pretty sure there is more to it then that.
[21.05.2023 19:06:25] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: You would rather sever relations with the Zoners over a single Bounty Hunter transport?
[21.05.2023 19:06:30] Advocate: And you've yet to provide any hard evidence of his activities.
[21.05.2023 19:06:42] "Vagabond"|S8: I have his confession.
[21.05.2023 19:06:54] Azora.Westrok: We supplied them with food and water. That is all.
[21.05.2023 19:07:02] "Vagabond"|S8: He has admitted to being a bounty hunter. He is -flying- under a bounty hunter transponder.
[21.05.2023 19:07:05] "Vagabond"|S8: What more do you need?
[21.05.2023 19:07:34] Azora.Westrok: and we have no reason to be dishonest in that regard.
[21.05.2023 19:07:44] Advocate: You've got plenty. [Referring to Westrok]
[21.05.2023 19:07:48] "Vagabond"|S8: It's irrelevant what you supplied them with.
[21.05.2023 19:08:16] Order|SD-Nanudet: RO: Good evening honorable Agents. [SD-Nanudet arrives, docks on Freeport 11.]
[21.05.2023 19:08:28] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: Evening
[21.05.2023 19:08:30] Advocate: Not a terribly great choice or wording, is it?
[21.05.2023 19:08:42] "Vagabond"|S8: Yes, we are all so very honorable.
[21.05.2023 19:08:46] "Vagabond"|S8: The Blood Dragons would be proud.
[21.05.2023 19:09:38] "Vagabond"|S8: Assuming we leave this matter to a majority rule, I take it we will let a technicality keep us from destroying that transport.
[21.05.2023 19:09:39] Advocate: Cognito. Ptah. What are your plans?
[21.05.2023 19:09:42] "Vagabond"|S8: Am I getting that right?
[21.05.2023 19:09:47] OCV-Cognito: As it stand we will not rick our leations with the zoners over one ship
[21.05.2023 19:10:07] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: That "technicality" has much more value to us than a single transport
[21.05.2023 19:10:12] Order|SD-Nanudet: RO: Before I resume on my ventures, I'd like to know if any of you have seen any squids lurking in the shadows?
[21.05.2023 19:10:20] "Vagabond"|S8: No, no squid sightings.
[21.05.2023 19:10:29] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: we were about to go on patrol to see
[21.05.2023 19:10:31] Advocate: I tend to agree. Freeports are one of the few places I am still able to dock openly.
[21.05.2023 19:10:42] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: When we stumbled upon this situation
[21.05.2023 19:10:49] Order|SD-Nanudet: RO: Very well, pleased to hear. Of course, I remain frosty regardless.
[21.05.2023 19:10:57] Order|SD-Nanudet: RO: Godspeed. [SD-Nanudet departs.]
[21.05.2023 19:11:04] "Vagabond"|S8: Likewise.
[21.05.2023 19:11:58] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: The Zoners and Outworlders have given us great hospitality and coordination
[21.05.2023 19:12:14] "Vagabond"|S8: And we have given them security in return. Security paid for with our lives.
[21.05.2023 19:12:30] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: Well met, but they are far from defenseless
[21.05.2023 19:12:41] OCV-Ptah: Severing ties is fruitless\
[21.05.2023 19:12:49] OCV-Cognito: a zoner commpany supplies the Order, if we break one of the zoner's rules that may change.
[21.05.2023 19:13:09] "Vagabond"|S8: And if they severed their ties with us over this, they would be fools.
[21.05.2023 19:13:14] Advocate: An empty transport that has already completed its mission is not the prize you are making it out to be.
[21.05.2023 19:13:24] "Vagabond"|S8: The fact is, we can't continue to protect them - to protect humanity - if they harbor our enemies.
[21.05.2023 19:14:28] OCV-Cognito: we portect everyone against the Nomad threat, even the people we are disagree with
[21.05.2023 19:14:47] "Vagabond"|S8: Oh, you really sound like my commanders.
[21.05.2023 19:14:55] "Vagabond"|S8: Fine, I will abide by a majority vote.
[21.05.2023 19:14:58] Advocate: Is that why you haven't been promoted yet? [Responding to Vagabond.]
[21.05.2023 19:15:00] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: I suggest we leave this transport be, we have larger issues
[21.05.2023 19:15:05] Azora.Westrok: And that is appreciated. The Nomads are a threat to us all. At the end of the day
[21.05.2023 19:15:22] OCV-Ptah: Cognito, form up, we are going to Dabadoru
[21.05.2023 19:15:25] Advocate: I've heard that claim before. [Referring to Westrok.]
[21.05.2023 19:15:27] "Vagabond"|S8: Then reconsider whom you supply, bounty hunter.
[21.05.2023 19:15:38] OCV-Ptah: Wolfe: Good day Gentlemen
[21.05.2023 19:15:42] Azora.Westrok: I will supply whomever pays.
[21.05.2023 19:15:43] "Vagabond"|S8: Yes, good day.
[21.05.2023 19:15:49] Advocate: Even the nomads? [Responding to Westrok.]
[21.05.2023 19:15:56] Advocate: Cognito, I'll be along soon.
[21.05.2023 19:16:01] Azora.Westrok: Be safe out there. And they don't pay.
[21.05.2023 19:16:01] Advocate: Keep my seat warm.
[21.05.2023 19:16:31] "Vagabond"|S8: Oh, they are all always so brazen within the safety of the Zoners' NFZ.
[21.05.2023 19:16:51] Advocate: To be fair, so are we. With our fleet on the edge of gunning someone down.
[21.05.2023 19:16:59] Advocate: In the middle of the NFZ.
[21.05.2023 19:16:59] "Vagabond"|S8: As it should have.
[21.05.2023 19:17:16] Advocate: Whatever. Bounty hunter, what's your name?
[21.05.2023 19:17:37] Azora.Westrok: Azora Westrok.
[21.05.2023 19:19:05] Advocate: The freeport offers no protections for those who drag fights to their doorstep.
[21.05.2023 19:19:19] Azora.Westrok: There was no fight.
[21.05.2023 19:19:20] Advocate: Pray this one [Vagabond] doesn't catch you again. All they need to do is start shooting.
[21.05.2023 19:19:39] Azora.Westrok: No shot was ever fired.
[21.05.2023 19:19:52] Advocate: It could have been. And now they know.
[21.05.2023 19:20:10] "Vagabond"|S8: Oh, believe me, you've used up what patience I had for you, bounty hunter.
[21.05.2023 19:20:14] Advocate: You should file a report, Vagabond. Maybe you can get some of us reprimanded for this.
[21.05.2023 19:20:27] Azora.Westrok: That is a shame have so little to spare.
[21.05.2023 19:20:31] "Vagabond"|S8: I'll hardly turn on my own.
[21.05.2023 19:20:55] "Vagabond"|S8: Safe travels, bounty hunter. Till we meet again.
[21.05.2023 19:21:01] Azora.Westrok: Likewise.