Captain's Log #1
01 Dec 2024Coverwatch
I stood on the bridge of the Drake-Class Carrier TSC Ararat (ID: J8J-1VM), anchored in the quiet expanse of the ROSS 154 system. The stars shimmered against the void, and the hum of the carrier's systems provided a familiar comfort. Suddenly, the calm was pierced by an urgent alert flashing across the communications console. The Pilots Federation had issued a galaxy-wide distress call: the Thargoid Titan Cocijo was en route to Sol, the cradle of humanity. Evacuation efforts had commenced.A palpable tension gripped the bridge. Crew members exchanged anxious glances as whispers spread. The thought of Sol under threat was almost unimaginable—a direct attack on humanity's origin. My communicator buzzed urgently. It was Commander Coverwatch.
"Captain, prepare the Ararat for an immediate jump to Gnowee," his voice was steady but edged with urgency. "I'm three minutes out but will dock before the landing pads close."
"Understood, Commander," I replied, signaling to the navigation officer. "Set a course for Gnowee. Initiate jump sequence countdown."
The crew snapped into action. Alarms signaled the start of the fifteen-minute countdown. Systems checks began in earnest. The engineering team reported all reactors functioning at optimal capacity. The navigation console displayed our plotted trajectory, and the Frame Shift Drive started its initial power-up phases.
As the countdown approached three minutes, I monitored Commander Coverwatch's approach on the external sensors. His ship streaked towards us, a beacon against the darkness. "Flight control, prioritize the Commander's docking," I ordered.
The mechanical thuds of the landing pads locking down echoed through the carrier. Bulkheads began sealing, compartmentalizing sections to maintain structural integrity during the jump. The vibrations of the ship intensified as power was rerouted to critical systems. The crew moved with practiced precision, their earlier unease replaced by focused determination.
"Commander Coverwatch has docked successfully," reported the hangar chief.
"Excellent," I acknowledged. Moments later, the Commander stepped onto the bridge, his presence bringing a sense of resolute calm.
"Status report," he requested.
"All systems are green. FSD charging at 50%," I informed him.
"Good. Let's get to Gnowee and assist with the evacuations."
At one minute remaining, the Frame Shift Drive began its full power-up. The lights on the bridge dimmed slightly as immense energy coursed through the ship's conduits. A deep hum resonated, building into a throbbing pulse that could be felt in every deck. The very fabric of space around us seemed to waver.
"FSD charge at 75%," announced the engineering officer.
Outside the viewport, arcs of energy danced along the carrier's hull. The stars appeared to blur, distorted by the immense gravitational forces being manipulated.
"Thirty seconds to jump," called out the navigation officer.
"All hands, brace for hyperspace," I relayed over the intercom.
The final seconds ticked away. The ship shuddered as the Frame Shift Drive reached full capacity. There was a momentary silence—a breath held by every soul aboard.
With a surge that pressed us slightly into our seats, the TSC Ararat tore into hyperspace. The familiar starscape vanished, replaced by the swirling, kaleidoscopic tunnel of the warp. Streams of light stretched infinitely, and time seemed both fleeting and eternal.
Moments later, the carrier emerged into the Gnowee system. Alarms and alerts flooded the communications array—ships coordinating evacuation routes, requesting assistance, reporting Thargoid sightings.
"Set course for the main evacuation point," Commander Coverwatch directed.
"Course laid in," responded the helmsman.
"Captain, liaise with the evacuation command. Offer our services for transport and medical aid," the Commander instructed.
"Aye, sir," I said, already transmitting our credentials and readiness to assist.
As we advanced toward the beleaguered stations and ships, a sense of purpose solidified among the crew. The initial panic had transformed into unwavering resolve. We were here to make a difference—to protect our fellow humans and stand against the encroaching threat.
The TSC Ararat moved into position, a beacon of hope amid the chaos. Together, we braced ourselves for the challenges ahead, determined to do our part in safeguarding the cradle of humanity.
End of Log