Captain's Log #3
01 Dec 2024Coverwatch
The TSC Ararat floats silently in the Jackson's Lighthouse system, the pulsating beams of the neutron star casting an eerie glow across the hull. Our recent ordeal has left our reactors drained—we're effectively immobilized for at least six hours. The crew is working tirelessly to restore power, but the weight of our vulnerability presses heavily on everyone.An urgent alert flashes on the main console. The Pilots Federation has issued a new report: Titan Cocijo has been sighted in the Coalsack Nebula, approximately 500 light-years away from Sol. It's moving at superluminal speeds, not through hyperspace but in an enhanced form of supercruise that's faster than anything we've seen. Calculations estimate it will reach Sol in 26 standard Earth hours.
Commander Coverwatch strides onto the bridge, his face set in grim determination. "Captain Vasquez," he says, his voice steady yet urgent.
"Commander," I acknowledge, turning to face him. "The Titan is making its move."
He nods sharply. "I can't sit here while Sol is under threat. I'm taking the PV-Kaçkar to Sol immediately."
I raise an eyebrow. "Your Orca? It's a passenger vessel, not a warship."
"It's fast," he counters. "And right now, speed is what we need. Besides, I've outfitted her with some hull upgrades".
I know better than to argue when he's made up his mind. "Very well. But you shouldn't go alone."
He offers a thin smile. "I won't be. I'm dispatching my elite pilots to take my other ships on critical missions."
He turns to address the group of pilots gathered behind him. "Listen up! We don't have much time."
First, he looks at Lieutenant Kara Singh, a seasoned pilot with a fierce reputation. "Lieutenant Singh, you'll take my Krait Mk II, CV-Taurus. I need you to accompany me to Sol. Your combat expertise will be invaluable."
She nods briskly. "Understood, Commander. The Taurus will be prepped and ready."
"Good," he says, then turns to Ensign Malik Thompson, a tall man with sharp eyes. "Ensign Thompson, take my Type 9, TV-Tendürek. Head to the nearest functional system and gather all the supplies you can—fuel, medical kits, food, ammo. The Ararat and our refugees will need them."
"On it, sir," Thompson replies. "I'll make it quick."
"Sergeant Aiko Tanaka," he addresses a petite woman whose calm demeanor belies her exceptional skill. "You'll pilot my Python, MV-Erciyes. There's a gas giant in this system with pristine rocky rings and another one with icy rings further away. We need valuable resources for the war effort—metals, tritium, materials, anything you can extract."
She gives a slight bow. "I'll bring back a full hold, Commander."
"Corporal Liam O'Connor," Coverwatch continues, his gaze settling on a burly man with a no-nonsense attitude. "Take the Type 8 MRV-Süphan back to Gnowee system. Search for escape pods and survivors. Take a fighter escort with you—the area is still hot."
O'Connor clenches his fist over his heart in a salute. "I'll find them, sir."
Finally, the Commander turns to his most trusted lieutenant, Commander Isabelle Renard. "Isabelle, I'm entrusting you with my Mandalay, EV-Moonmaiden."
Her eyes widen slightly. "Sir, that's your most prized vessel."
"Which is why I want you to have it," he says firmly. "You are the best explorer we have. Your mission is to scout uncharted systems. Find safe locations where we can transport survivors if Sol falls. The Ararat will return to the battle soon, but we need contingency plans."
She takes a deep breath. "I won't let you down, Commander."
He places a hand on her shoulder. "I know you won't."
Turning back to me, he straightens. "Captain Vasquez, the Ararat is in your capable hands. Get her operational. We'll need every ship we can get when the time comes. There is no time to disembark the passengers so secure them in sealed hangars for now in case trouble finds you sooner than expected."
"You can count on us," I assure him. "Commander, be careful out there."
He gives a wry grin. "Since when am I not?"
I chuckle softly. "Fair point. Just come back in one piece."
"I'll do my best," he says, then addresses the bridge crew. "Good luck to all of you."
As he exits the bridge, I watch the pilots disperse to their assignments. The weight of the situation settles in. We're all stretching ourselves thin, but there's no other choice.
"Captain," my XO, Commander Jansen, says quietly. "Do you think it's wise for him to go to Sol alone?"
I sigh. "He's not alone, and you know how he is. Once he sets his mind on something..."
"Understood," Jansen replies, though concern lingers in his eyes.
"Keep me updated on the reactor repairs," I tell him. "Every minute counts."
"Aye, Captain."
Down in the hangar bay, there is a flurry of activity near the PV-Kaçkar. Technicians make last-minute checks, and the ship's sleek white hull gleams under the floodlights. This was not a ship suited for battle, it was a ship for transporting passengers. The Commander rarely piloted it since he was an explorer at heart but today was the day that Orca would shine.
Commander Coverwatch stands at the base of the boarding ramp when Lieutenant Singh approaches.
"Ship's ready to go, sir," she reports.
He nods. "Good. We'll jump as soon as we're clear."
Singh hesitates for a moment. "Sir, if I may... do you really think we can make a difference at Sol?"
He meets her gaze steadily. "We have to try. If the Titan reaches Earth unchecked..."
She straightens. "Then we stop it."
"That's the spirit," he says with a faint smile.
Elsewhere in the hangar, Ensign Thompson climbs aboard the TV-Tendürek. Over the comms, he contacts the bridge. "Captain Vasquez, requesting clearance to depart."
"Clearance granted, Ensign," I respond. "Safe travels."
"Thank you, Captain."
Sergeant Tanaka secures her gear aboard the MV-Erciyes, double-checking the mining equipment. Corporal O'Connor rallies a small team of fighters to escort the MRV-Süphan, their engines humming as they prepare to launch. Commander Renard takes a moment to run her hands along the hull of the EV-Moonmaiden, a gesture of respect for the vessel entrusted to her.
Back on the bridge, I monitor their departures. One by one, the ships launch into the blackness of space, their frameshift drives powering up.
"Captain," the comms officer reports. "All vessels have successfully launched."
"Thank you," I reply. "Keep channels open in case they need support."
"Aye, ma'am."
Minutes later, the PV-Kaçkar and CV-Taurus align themselves for the jump to Sol. I open a channel to the PV-Kaçkar. "Commander Coverwatch, this is Captain Vasquez."
His voice comes through, clear and resolute. "Go ahead, Captain."
"Just wanted to wish you luck. We'll see you at Sol once we're back online."
"We'll hold the line until you get there," he replies. "Take care of the Ararat."
"Always," I assure him.
Lieutenant Singh's voice chimes in. "We'll keep him out of trouble, Captain."
"I appreciate that, Lieutenant," I say with a small laugh.
"Frameshift drive charging," the navigation officer announces.
"Godspeed," I say softly as the two ships vanish into the swirling blue of hyperspace.
I lean back in my chair, the hum of the bridge systems filling the silence. The reactor repairs are progressing, but the estimated time remains unchanged.
"Corporal Jansen," I call.
He steps forward. "Yes, Captain?"
"Double-check the reactor status. See if there's any way to expedite the repairs without compromising safety."
"I'll get engineering on it right away," he replies.
As he moves to carry out the task, the comms officer speaks up. "Captain, incoming message from Ensign Thompson aboard the TV-Tendürek."
"Put it through."
"Captain," Thompson's voice crackles over the speakers. "I've reached the Barnard's Star system. Docked at the station and the crew is moving the supplies to the ship now. Should be back within two hours."
"Good work, Ensign. Keep us updated."
"Will do. Thompson out."
I turn my attention to the tactical displays. The positions of our deployed ships are marked, each moving toward their objectives. A sense of pride wells up within me—this crew is exceptional.
"Captain," the science officer interjects. "We've detected unusual readings from the neutron star. It appears to be emitting higher levels of radiation than normal."
"Is it a threat to the ship?" I ask.
"Not immediately, but prolonged exposure could be harmful."
"Noted. Helm, adjust our position to minimize exposure."
"Aye, Captain."
Time drags as we await the reactor repairs. Reports come in intermittently:
Sergeant Tanaka confirms successful mining operations, she is finished with the rocky ring and now moving to the icy ring.
Corporal O'Connor reports encountering immense wreckage in Gnowee but no survivors yet. His team spotted some Thargoid vessels in system but they were too far away to be a threat.
Commander Renard sends a brief message: "Entering uncharted space. Spotted a couple of atmospheric planets but readings indicate a gravity of 2.5G. I keep searching and will report any suitable locations."
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Commander Jansen returns. "Captain, engineering has managed to shave off some time. Reactors will be operational in three hours."
A wave of relief washes over me. "Excellent work."
He smiles slightly. "They have been working without a break for hours to achieve this."
"Let's make sure their efforts aren't in vain."
I stand and gaze out at the swirling colors of Jackson's Lighthouse. Despite its beauty, it serves as a reminder of the immense forces at play in the galaxy—forces we are daring to challenge.
"Captain," the comms officer calls out once more. "Incoming priority message from Sol. It's Commander Coverwatch."
"On screen."
His image appears, static distorting the transmission. "Captain Vasquez, we've arrived at Sol. The situation is... complicated."
"What's your status?" I ask urgently.
"The Titan hasn't arrived yet, but there's unrest. People are panicking, and the defense forces are spread thin."
"Understood. We're pushing to get the Ararat operational sooner. Hold tight."
He nods. "Lieutenant Singh and I are coordinating with local forces. Any additional support you can send would be invaluable."
"I'll see what we can do," I promise.
"Stay safe out there," he says before the transmission cuts off.
I turn to Commander Jansen. "Is there any way we can send a small support team ahead?"
He considers for a moment. "We could dispatch a few fighters, but their jump range is limited without a carrier."
"Every bit helps. Coordinate with flight control."
"Aye, Captain."
As preparations begin, I take a moment to collect my thoughts. The pieces are moving into place, but the outcome remains uncertain.
"Captain," the science officer says quietly. "I've been monitoring the Titan's trajectory. If our calculations are correct, it will reach Sol in just under 24 hours."
"Then we'll be there before it arrives," I declare.
"Let's hope so," he replies.
Hours pass in a blur of activity. Finally, the engineering team reports in.
"Captain, reactors are back online," Chief Engineer Morales announces proudly.
"Outstanding work, Chief," I respond. "Helm, prepare to set course for Sol."
"Course laid in," the helmsman confirms.
"All hands, prepare for jump," I announce over the ship's intercom. "We're heading back into the fray."
As the crew moves with renewed purpose, I feel a surge of determination. The TSC Ararat is once again ready to stand against the darkness.
"Frame shift drive charging," the navigation officer reports.
"Engage on my mark," I say, my eyes fixed on the viewport.
The hum of the engines builds, the ship vibrating softly as power surges through its systems.
"Mark."
End of Log