The Approaching Storm
01 Dec 2024Kales_ashford
After ROSF had dealt a significant blow to piracy in Songala, the peace proved to be short-lived. In the Upaniklis system, a new conflict began to take shape. Upaniklis Vision Incorporated, seemingly supported from the shadows by the Eldritch Eye Trading Company, had started targeting any ship allied with ROSF. Battles in the space around Fozard Port became regular, but with every victory, ROSF managed to hold its ground.Ashford sat in the Veteran's cockpit, analyzing the reports from the front lines. For now, the situation in Upaniklis seemed calm, but he knew it was only a matter of time before the next challenge. And yet, the news from the rest of the galaxy would change everything.
The last Thargoid Titan, Cocijo, had suddenly left the Col 285 Sector BA-P c6-18 system. Reports from human AX (Anti-Xeno) forces fighting through nearby systems revealed that the massive bio-ship was moving at phenomenal speeds toward the core of human territory. Its trajectory pointed to a clear destination: the Sol system, the cradle of humanity.
A New Threat
Reports from AX forces became increasingly alarming. Cocijo was not seeking to escape the war; instead, the Titan seemed determined to bring the conflict into the heart of human space. Thargoid-controlled systems had suddenly emptied, sparking fears that the remaining Thargoid fleet was heading to join the Titan in its assault.
A galaxy-wide alert from Aden Tanner, special military advisor to Aegis, broadcast across all channels:
"Cocijo is on a direct course deep into human territory. Rather than retreat, the final Titan intends to bring the fight to our very heartlands."
"Evacuation efforts have begun in Sol as a precaution, but all civilians must be ready to leave their homes at a moment’s notice. Our priority is to minimize casualties wherever the Titan strikes – we saw the devastation of a Titan beachhead at the start of the invasion and must do everything possible to prevent a repeat."
Ashford felt the weight of the situation as he listened to the transmission. Sol – Earth, the birthplace of humanity – was in peril. It was clear that the war wasn’t over, and humanity was once again on the brink of disaster.
Preparing for the Worst
“It’s time to reactivate the Donnager,” Ashford told his crew, his tone calm but firm. “We’ll use the carrier as a mobile base. If Sol is the target, we need to be there to help with the evacuations.”
The Donnager, a massive fleet carrier, had been temporarily decommissioned after operations in Upaniklis. Now, however, it was outfitted with everything needed: command centers, space for refugees, and supplies for humanitarian missions. The Veteran, Ashford’s Type-10 Defender, had also been reconfigured. Its AX weaponry was recalibrated for defense and escort operations, and its auxiliary compartments were stocked with rescue equipment.
“Prepare to depart,” Ashford continued, addressing his crew. “We’re heading to Sol. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.”
Before leaving, Ashford sent a message to all allied factions in Upaniklis:
“ROSF will not abandon this fight, but there is a greater threat now. The last Thargoid Titan is heading to Sol. If we survive there, we’ll return to finish the fight here. Until then, hold your positions.”
The Journey to Sol
As the Donnager entered hyperspace, Ashford stared at the galactic map displayed in the cockpit. Ahead of them lay Sol, a symbol of humanity’s history and unity. Behind them, the shadows of the Thargoids continued to gather. He knew the battle ahead was not just about survival – it was about the future of the human race.
“For ROSF, for Sol, and for humanity,” he whispered, readying himself for the greatest challenge of his life.