Alright I've finally got a strong lead. After several sessions with that morph
hanging around alpha I've finally been "given" images of a strange nebula in what we know as Omicron-99
apparently there is a spirit lair. We have picked up an energy patter different from the one emitted by the
lair, and the scientists believe it's a power cell that has been discarded from the lair for some reason,
perhaps it's not as potent as it once was but it still posses remarkable power if we are able to detect it 1
system away. I'm outfitting my fighter for a recovery mission right now. From what we know the radiation
levels are very dangerous to a human being...fortunately we ain't exactly human so I think I'll be alright if I
minimize the mission time
***
[color=#FF0000]15.03.819A.S 1000hours
I've entered Omicron-99 fascinating system, there is an extensive X-ray radiation you
can basically see through your skin if you hold it against the canopy. The Geiger counter is going absolutely
crazy I've plotted a course it will take about 30 minutes to get there
15.03.819A.S 1025hours
I am penetrating the nebula's outer boundary layer, it such a weird nebula, as it absorbs
all light it's like a massive dark blob in the middle of the system. I'll keep my distance from the center of
the nebula my guess is the liar is there.
15.03.819A.S 1031hours
The source of the emissions is within visual range, it really looks like it came out of
something bigger so I guess the theory about it being ejected from the liar is correct. The energy readings
are going crazy my HUD instruments are struggling to be projected. I'll some gun camera footage before I
proceed and tractor the rotating core
15.03.819A.S 1056hours
I'm almost at the Alpha-jump hole the fighter is going crazy with energy fluctuations.
What's worse is that I am starting to show signs of radiation sickness; I've contacted the navy so a medical
ship should be waiting on the other side of the hole. They'll take care of me while a containment team will
transport the energy cell to San Remo. Thank God that's over with, now I can finally get some R&R
Ok let's get this over with shall we, I've provided all of your components, I guess my business with you is
finished and I can have my squadron continue normal duty.
Indeed you have been extremely successful to this point. The missile is ready, but I am afraid you've
forgotten the primary briefing. There are five tiers so far 4 have been successful.
[color=#FFCCCC]Wait a second, I wasn't aware that the testing will be done by the 13th as well.
You already have the knowledge necessary to provide testing... Do that and believe me the Navy will make
it worth your while.
*Sigh* Fine fine let's just do it'¦Where should I test it?
You won't be piloting.
Excuse me?
You know far too much of the project about the project to be risk a capture, that would be disastrous. With
your knowledge you will be much more valuable in the control room than in that Z-series.You will have to
assign someone with the job
First I need to know how the test will proceed
We figured that you might ask that *the interrogator presses a button on his desk* Send him in.
I believe you are aquatinted with Antonio Guerra the leader of the project
I am'¦
*Antonio sits down next to Samantha*
Mister Guerra please let Miss Marquez know how the test should proceed.
Right'¦ The weapon is complete and loaded in the carrier missile. There is one significant limitation to the
design and that is the lack of heat protection meaning it cannot survive the heat of re-entry on its own so it
will have to launched in the atmosphere. This can be accomplished by a specially modified Series 'Z'
fighter with ceramic coating to resist the heat of re-entry while the weapon is protected in an internal
weapon's bay'¦
You mean that whoever is flying the Sabre will have to launch the missile from the atmosphere that is
supposed to be ignited several BY the same missile? What the frakk are you thinking that the test of your
multi-billion toy is more important than the life of the pilot?
There is sufficient time for the pilot to leave orbit'¦Although doing so as fast as possible is highly advised
'Highly advised' easy for you to say it won't be your arse on the lin'¦
Marquez! That's enough
*Samantha reluctantly relaxed in the chair* I'm sorry
That's the weapon's limitation the specific flight plan will be up to you to decide.
Where should we test it?
As you know the weapon is intended for Crete however we cannot allow possible misfire there so we have
to test it on a planet with similar dimensions namely diameter and mass. We've found such planet. In the
Kansas system-Planet Wichita'¦
Liberty'¦figures it has to be dangerous'¦
That's the only planet in our databanks that satisfies the conditions for the test.
Now it's time to decide who will test it
*Takes a deep breath* Who should I choose'¦ No leader should ever make such decision. I do not like the
fact that I am putting the lives of my people in danger'¦
Well we have a 'suggestion' one that pleases us the most'¦Martinez. She doesn't know anything about
the project should she be captured however unlikely that is, and no family to miss her if anything goes
wrong. She's a good pilot though a bit mentally unstable, which could prove critical in the test's success.
You make it sound like she's cattle someone to die for the greater cause and no one will give a frakk!
I would like to remind you that according to the simulations there is 90% chance of the tests success. The
dangers are minimal! Besides you are known to have 'troubled relations' with her, why are you so
protective?
WHY? The fact that I don't like her doesn't mean I will just throw her life around!
You will not be throwing her life away, Samantha! Come to your senses! She's been operating in Liberty for
an year now. She knows what's what there, and she has statistically the highest chance of success.
*Samantha takes a deep breath and remains silent for a while*
Ok'¦I will brief her and compose a plan...
Good I am glad that you saw reason *the interrogator smiles*
*Samantha stands up and heads for the door* By the way'¦if anything happens you are going to wish that
you were on that planet, and I don't care that you are not the one in charge'¦
[color=#FF0000]Office of Samantha Marquez
Deck 3 Section A
Take a seat Martinez, I have something for you, interested?
*Maria sat down* Oh mighty-flighty flock commander what would you want me to do?
A mission, the secret type, in which you need to know the basics only
Aaah a hush hush miss-on I'm on! It's gonna be exciting! Tell me more tell me tell me tell me tell me!
You are to fly a Series ''Z'' Sabre do an atmospheric flight launch a missile and then floor it to orbit. Come
with me to the briefing room I'll fill you in on the flight plan.
13th Briefing Room
Deck 2 Section A
Paint me the De-tail-ed picture already birdie, I see no light to ensure confidence
As I said you will be testing a new missile, you should not know any specifications. The weapon is to be
tested on planet Wichita in the Kansas system. The fighter you will be flying is a modified Series 'Z' a craft
that you are already familiar with, there are several main differences though, it is fitted with in internal
weapons bay to house the missile, and the underside is reinforced so it can withstand the heat of re-entry.
Be extremely careful since no external weapons will be mounted in order to minimize the drag.
*Samantha walked to the holoprojector's control then initiated it*
Ok here's the deal. The mission will proceed in proceed in several phases. Each phase is an objective that
you must accomplish in order to be successful.
*Maria started to nod franticly* Yes Yes Yes and then???
Calm yourself pilot! Ok now *Samantha pressed a button on the control panel*
Phase: One
Objective: Launch from the Hydra in the Magellan system. And head to the Kansas system jumphole
That one is pretty straight forward, so let's move on
Phase: Two
Objective: System insertion, reach the Kansas system send back telemetry from your ship and head for the Planet Wichita, avoid detection at all costs
The Kansas system is uninhabited or at least that's what our report suggests but it is still
technicly in Libertonian space. It is absolutely crucial that you are not detected during this phase.
What if I the evil eye catches sight of me being bare naked in the vacuum?
You will immediately abort the mission and head out of the system you should be able to
escape to Magellan beyond the control zone of Liberty
Phase: Three
Objective: Reentry, you are to glide through the atmosphere of Wichita, using the ships underside as an airbrake.
The ships computer will do that part for you, it will calculate the correct glide path and reenter the
atmosphere, you will take control at 10 000 meters altitude when the hull temperature has normalized and
ship has slowed down significantly
Won't I fry like the brain of a fried rat?
*Samantha sighs* If that happens you won't have time to think about it, now focus no
matter how hard it is for you and listen to the frakkin briefing
Phase: Four
Objective: Weapon deployment, launch the missile and immediately pull up and reach orbital velocity
The missile will burn for exactly 400 seconds, which means that is the time you have to brake orbit understood? 400 seconds that's all you have!
Phase: Five
Objective: Detonation, Leave orbit, in the given time period and use the ship's sensors to take readings
That's pretty much self explanatory
Phase: Six
Objective: Extraction, return to the Hydra to complete the mission
Well that's it. Any questions?
Nope it's all clear as a muddy river! When do I lift my behind from the deck of the snake with multiple heads?
You will be contacted one hour prior, everything will be ready make sure you are as well. If you don't have
any question you are dismissed.
*Maria turned around and headed for the door but stopped in under the door frame turned her head and
said* Sam...I am not flapping my wings back from this sandstorm am I?
*Samantha forcefully smiled* Of course you are! You see it's all planed, you'll be done and done before you
know it!
*Martinez put her regular lunatic smile on* Oh well the grey matter sends me confused transmissions! See you when I see you birdie! *said as she was walking out
Good luck Martinez'¦good luck'¦*Samantha said to herself*
*Samantha walked in the CIC and everyone stood up*
Man your stations everyone, let's do this, Comms, get mister Guerra here.
*The voice of a woman rung through the intercom* Antonio Guerra is to report to the CIC, Antonio Guerra at the CIC
Ok, let's get things going before he gets here. Operation systems check
Radar-Go
Telemetry-Go
LADAR imaging-Go
Deep space scanner-Go
Feedback link-Go
Weapon controls-Go
Life sings monitoring-Go
Green across the board ma'am!
Good start the countdown T-120 seconds. And get that egg head here on the double!
I'm here *Antonio just entered the room*
Took your time, now man your station *Samantha pointed him at a science terminal*.
Martinez is ready in the launch bay'¦ she'll be launching any moment. Remember people no names on any
channels when that timer hits 0
PHASE: ONE
Launch
[color=#FFFFFF]T-10,9,8,7,6,5,4'¦.Alert authorized bay door override!
Ma'am the bay doors are opening!
Ai-ai-aaaa The tension was making me twitch and burn anyway!
*Samantha smiled a bit but quickly switched to a dreadful expression when she pressed
the 'Open Channel button'
You raving lunatic, I suggest you follow the mission parameters to the frakkin' letter if you don't want to be
shot when you come back! You could have waited for 3 more seconds! Now proceeded and no more
insubordination!
You are sore because I cut the heart out of your motivational song, the one to be sung just
before I left the cage, birdie
*Samantha smiled again* Whatever just proceed with the mission plan
Phase: Two
Insertion
T+0.5hours
[color=#33FF33]*The comms system crackled* Triple-headed-snakie! I've reached the wonderful space
donut and I am ready to enter it!
Understood, take the ship in
Righty-mighty
The ship disappeared from the scanners ma'am, communications cannot be established'¦
Now we wait'¦
*30 seconds later the voice of Martinez rung through the speakers again* What a ride! It's
not unlike flushing yourself down the toilet! The round thingy with the dots shows noting I am clear to
pollute the system with myself
*Guerra took off his earpiece and whispered to Samantha* 'Thingy with the dots?'
*Samantha did the same thing* She means the radar, you get used to it after a while
*Sam put her earpiece back on* Ok you are cleared to go
Phase Three
Re-entry
T +3.5 hours
[color=#33FF33]Birdies, I've reached the thing that allows you breathe and burns you if you jump,
activating 'De-scent autobirdie'
Alright we'll be monitoring your ship's systems from here, hold on tight it won't be the most pleasant of
experiences
*Maria started to whistle the Maltese Anthem loudly over the comms*
Well she doesn't lack the spirit that's for sure *Antonio noted with a smile, Samantha gave him a freezing
look and his evaporated *
Re-entry in progress. Ships outher hull temperature at 1300 degrees-Stable, Glide trajectory stable,
Correction to Pitch 0.1% Correction to Yaw-0%
Uhm Triple-headed-snake, do you paste me? The autobirdie is telling me funny things, it sings in orange
and the Space-Sabre-Sword is starting to jump around.
Report!
It appears that the autopilot is shutting down ma'am! We'¦ugh don't know'¦ we can't override!
Well frakkin do something she'll burn without that trajectory correction!
We'¦can't! Alert! Autopilot shutdown'¦
Ha-ha-hahaaaa that's AWESOME! Like jumping through a space donut backwards in an escape-cocoon!
Try to Re-engage the back up! Do it now you are running out of time
Ship's hull temperature at 2000 degrees and rising, it is unsafe to maintain that temperature for extended
periods
Umhh there is no back up'¦weight restrictions *Antonio nervously said*
*Samantha looked at Antonio in a more piercing manner than an Anti-matter cannon*
Ma'am the hull temperature is dropping 1700 and falling, the ship is gliding, I am reading
manual override'¦Umh ma'am this is impossible'¦she's flying the ship.
Ship's at 20 000 meters'¦temperature nominal, flying under its own power.
*Everyone looked at the screens in disbelief, Samantha wiped the sweat of her forehead and pressed the open channel button*
How, in the galaxy did you do that? No-one has done manual re-entries since the landfalls'¦
Did what? What did I do, can I see it? Oh, oh, oh, oh you mean flying my space-sabre-sword? Well I've
seen many moving-pictures from the archives about it! It's so fun, anyway got a little hot in here had to
take my flight suit off.
Movies'¦*sigh*
You know'¦ Problem, we have a huston!
Cut the chatter now! Report when you've reached 10 000 meters and you're ready to proceed
Phase: Four
Fox one
T+3.8hours
[color=#33FF33]I am at 10 000 mini-Me-terms.
Ok, Open the weapons bay and extend the missile mount outside of the hull, start the sensor-equipment.
Get ready to pull up as soon as that missile separates.
The door is open
The guest is out
The pervert is ready to stalk the guest as he leaves!
The flame arrow has left the quiver! Pulling this birdie to the great nothing-ness-ness
Pull up now, 400 seconds remember!
Phase: Four
Ignition
T+3.8hours
I left the attraction of that rock ball, heading away my peek-a-boo thingies are recording'¦
Understood.
397'¦398'¦399'¦.
Holly frakk, birdies, I CAN SEE IT BURN! That was one hell of a fire arrow there!
We are reading ignition *Guerra said overly exited* The effect area is expanding'¦
*Samantha looked at the screen showing pictures from the fighter*
Spirits'¦
The expansion has stopped, 1/3 of the planet's surface was affected'¦We've got only partial ignition.
Ok you'll worry about your data later. *Samantha opens a Channel* Now hurry and get out of there'¦
Uhh hate to bring it to you but it's a little late for that. I can clearly see the shapes and sizes of a battlebirdie in front of me'¦
Report what class what do you see?
Ermm it looks like a the Dreaded-Eagle'¦?
A dreadnaught? Get out of there on the frakkin double!
Unlikely'¦
Listen to me! Send the recorded data of the test now! Delete the memory banks of the fighter, all guncam
footage.
I did that deed
Deck crew prepare my fighter. I'm coming for you! Do you read me'¦?