TCON-MD#02 - Darkness settles in.
05 Dec 2022Shaterthomkolen
TRANSCRIPT FROM : NAVIGATION DECK // T.O.C. MORTAL DICTATA [H1X-NTW] - POS: 28 CEPHEI B3 - 06.00 03/12/3308
[TRITOFF.CHEN] I guarantee it, Captain. She will come back.
These words broke the heavy silence that reigned in the shady, nearly empty navigation deck. Even the sounds of the repairs still going in the decks down below were muffled, silenced by the darkness surrounding the drifting carrier.
[CPT.SHARPE] I hope so, Chen. I really don't feel up to the task. Her eyes laid on the pad covered in text.
The 03/10/3308, T.O.C. Azure Star H7V-BXH
Dear Laura,
Upon opening this message, all my duties and prerogatives as Captain of the T.O.C. Mortal Dictata will be temporarily transferred to you.
I'm sorry to put these responsibilities on your shoulders, but I know you consider this carrier and her crew...At least, what remain of it, as part of your own family. You made that point very clear back in July 3308, after the attack on the MD.
After most of the Task Force Inferno was injured or MIA, instead of rallying back CSF as you were ordered, all of you asked me to become officials crews member, leaving CSF for "our true family, friends, and home".
You joined us in this insane call of arms, a challenge to those criminals, the EMBER Syndicate. You trained hard, you gave us your opinions and help with the upgrades during the dry-dock period of the MD.
You were there when we took the decision to join the hunt for the MARS weapon, with the help of the CHIMERA group. We fought together, we bled together, we mourned our beloved together. We wanted to bring those fuckers down together.
But we were hit hard, again, and while I'm writing this message, knowing the MD is stranded in 28 CEPHEI, with so many people dead and injured again, I took a vow: No one else from my family will be killed by them ever again. Therefore, my only command you will not be able to overrule is to stay there, repair the MD, and not let anyone, even you, go with me in this final push we're about to attempt.
I took my gear and my best ship, "The Robuste", the last thing I will allow myself to lose. For the rest, my entire legacy will go to the MD. It seems our mission is doomed yet again. I pretty much know the probability of my coming back from this alive is near zero. If I'm declared MIA or dead, you will officially become the Captain of the T.O.C. Mortal Dictata, effective 1 month after this message, on the 3rd of December 3308.
I wanted to thank you all for your help when I was at my lowest, after Kylah's death. Her...murder changed me so much, I realize now I've become a mad dog seeking only revenge and blood and I failed to take care of the remaining crew. My apologies to all of you. I hope make amend by succeeding on this last bold move.
Adieu , and Godspeed !
-Shaarlen Hoktomt.
[TRITOFF.CHEN] Putting her hand on the captain's shoulder Okay, Laura listen to me. Even if it seems TCON lost contact with the assault group on the 16th of November they did find her ship drifting, but there was no blood at all. Her Dominator suit and weapons are gone. Even if the canopy is missing, the ship is nearly undamaged. Remember we've been off the main comms for 24hours for repairs.
[CPT.SHARPE] Chuckling Yeah, you're right Aubrey, I would've definitely been worried if the canopy was still there! Getting serious again and looking at the latest Galnet news Well, I hope we will be back soon. Seems the Bubble could use some AX and rescue veterans right now.
[TRITOFF.CHEN] Happy to see Laura getting better. That's the spirit! I agree with you, the faster we get... Her voice gets cut by the speaker over their head, and some lights coming back on the main console.
[COMSCREW1]Muffled cheers in the background Ma'am, sorry to interrupt but we're online again...and well, you should check this out!
Both women look at the screen, filled with alerts from the T.C.O.N internal news channel. They gasp at the same time.
The Black Edge was recovered.
This story is only possible thanks to our squadron and community. Special thanks to CMDR Radiumio for writing such an amazing finale!