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MG.S.S. Constellation -a Polaris-class Ultra carrier Starship
Iago Expedition Fleet
On every ship in the fleet, D3 were scooting about getting tugs ready and launched, while others were taking up emergency response positions, cooks assistance, medical aids, cargo movers, even a couple that were the assistants to Pax and Sora arrived to their bosses sides ready with additional gear and supplies their bosses might need. on the bridge of the ships Several D3 would arrive to aid in bridge operations, and the Various Captains Personal D3's would also join them on the bridge ready to hand them things like food, drinks everything they needed to ensure they were able to focus on the job of helping the evacuation without having to worry about getting such needed things, even things like passing reports and additional info Slates were carried by the D3 aids, and any other D3 on the bridges did the same for the other crew there, while still others helped their assigned crew member rest and be ready for shift changes by keeping recorded of what was going on so once the shift change happened their assigned crewmember could be brought up to speed immediately. And it was in this way the the silent little creatures helped the rapid operation of the ship by ensuring those that did the jobs had everything tended to to allow them to focus on their tasks and be up to date as possible.
Once final clearance had been received the fleet of emergency tugs launched from the Ships of the fleet, the massive amount of tugs quickly gathered as they moved, moving fluidly into formation and flowing like a school of fish through space, not a single communication was sent between the tugs but they moved with an unnatural grace and unity as they would split off in just the right numbers to start moving Ships to better positions for better evacuation times. one would think the tugs were automated so precise was the flying and distancing, but readings would show they were in fact manned.
The swarms of Tugs continued the task of moving and arraigning the ships for easier work and it could be seen that the heavily modified Wayfinder shuttle also seemed to seamlessly merge with the swarm of tugs, as if part of that silent group the continued to aid the distressed ships.
Already a day and a half into their journey toward the Kikyo Sector, the decision to divert course to Akina had been an easy one—though the destination was anything but. Katsuko sat in her office aboard the newly outfitted Izanagi-Class Dreadnought, her gaze fixed on the massive aquarium embedded into the wall. The vibrant fish within swam lazily, their colors shimmering with hypnotic beauty, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in her mind. Orders were orders, and Katsuko was not one to shirk her duty, it was making her go back on her word - she had not set foot in the Kikyo Sector since she resigned as Premier and her run in with a certain mouthy liar of an Elysian Senator.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as her eyes drifted from the tranquil water to the desk before her. There, a small box sat, its sleek exterior unassuming but laden with meaning. It had been given to her by Katara after the Battle of Becurn, yet Katsuko knew the necklace within wasn’t from her. The truth had been immediately clear, its origins tangled in the same web of unspoken words and fractured relationships that had kept her from Tsukimi, her clan’s cherished gathering.
She opened the box with a resigned sigh, the delicate chain catching the dim light. For a moment, her expression softened, then hardened again as she snapped the box shut. The memories that accompanied the gift ~ along with the conversation with ‘herself’ six months prior ~ were as sharp and vivid as the day they happened. The mention of Pieces Station in Yui’s orders was the final twist of the blade. Sixteen years had passed, and yet the thought of setting foot on that cursed Zodiak still churned her stomach. There were somethings that she would never truly forgive, and that was one of them.
The voice of Taii Becurn Sora over the comm broke through her spiraling thoughts, pulling her back to the present. “Taisho, we’re almost there. Dropping out of hyperspace shortly. The YSS Tokyo is right behind us. Do you wish for me to have Saori send your well wishes?”
Katsuko’s tone was even but tinged with a faint weariness as she replied, “Thank you, Becurn-Taii. Just have her tell Ayano that we will meet when the work is done.”
Rising from her desk, Katsuko left the Flag Office and made her way to the bridge. The ship’s recent outfitting and enhancements were about to face their first true test, and she was determined to lead from the front. By the time she arrived, the irrelevant clutter of personal thoughts had been carefully locked away, her mind honed to the task at hand.
The YSS Battle of Becurn and its battlegroup emerged from hyperspace at the edge of the Akina System. The transition was seamless, and the mighty flagship’s sublight engines flared, emitting a brilliant blaze of teal aether as it pushed forward. Katsuko sat in the command chair, her presence calm yet commanding as she surveyed the unfolding scene. Before her, the Akina System was a field of chaos. The remains of shattered vessels floated aimlessly, their jagged forms scattering debris like drifting tombstones. Among them, the stark white hulls of Vespan designed ships stood in stark contrast to the other more familiar Norian ships, their elegant designs marred by the wreckage around them.
Katsuko’s voice carried a tone of both authority and reassurance as she opened a channel. “This is Taisho Ketsurui-Motoyoshi Katsuko of the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet. We are here to assist.”
The calm professionalism in her voice belied the growing weight she felt as she stared at the carnage. The wreckage of dreams and ambitions was all too familiar, a haunting reminder of a similar scene that had occurred only a short distance away. As the Becurn and her battlegroup pressed deeper into the system, Katsuko’s focus remained unwavering. There was work to be done, and she would see it through.
The Wakaba came out of hyperspace and Thomas got his first look at the situation. Things were far worse than he had expected. Imminently the comms became overwhelmed with calls for help. Yukiko filtered out most of the requests and brought up the one that mattered.
Star Army Vessel this is Esari Eitan, I am the commander of the FCS A'aenalin, we are grateful for your presence. Our ship along with our escorting cruisers are assisting where we can, there is just too many of them for us. Please avoid ships that are showing signs of going critical, we don't want to have any of your people injured or killed.
Thomas stood and brought a hand held mic to his mouth. "Commander Esari Eitan, this is Taisa Thomas Canterbury, Captain of the YSS Wakaba. We will do all we can to assist. I've got 10 shuttles with away teams ready to go. Let us know what ships you want us to focus on that way we don't wind up double teaming ships. On our shuttles we have teleportation pads. We can use them to teleport any important supplies or belongings you need. If needed we can also use them to transport civilians, but I know there are risks with doing that so I will leave that decision up to you. The Wakaba can extend some docking tubes and connect with damaged ships. We will do our best and try to keep a tally of who we rescue so that no one falls through the cracks."
While Thomas spoke he was studying at images of the damaged ships. "Commander, I need to ask... It looks like many of these ships have suffered an attack. Is there any danger of whoever attacked your people following you and finishing the job?"
Esari sat with his usual composed demeanor, though the tension of the moment was palpable. He hesitated for only a moment before making the difficult decision: he would not authorize the Star Army to use their teleportation systems on the hybridized ships. The decision directly contradicted the terms of the accord, but he knew the risks outweighed the benefits. Some of the ships were already exhibiting signs of mindhive death, and forcing the issue could spell disaster. This was one of those rare occasions where asking for forgiveness later was the wiser course of action.
His violet eyes flicked to the LUMEN map overlay, glowing faintly in the dim light of the command deck. The voice of Taisa Canterbury crackled through the comms, providing a rundown of the situation. Esari listened attentively, his focus unwavering until the Taisa finished speaking. "Our mindhive will transmit the coordinates and details for each ship deemed stable enough for personnel extraction," Esari replied, his tone even but firm. "Be prepared to encounter UNN personnel who may choose to remain aboard their vessels. That decision is theirs to make, and it is one we must respect." He could not help but wonder what the end of this would look like. The A'aenalin began to identify each tagged vessel and directed the Wakaba towards the first group.
The next inquiry was simpler, though no less crucial. "Our intelligence indicates it is unlikely the Craethel have sufficient ships ready to mount an incursion," Esari continued. "Should that assessment change, you will receive ample warning."
His attention shifted momentarily as another message arrived, this time from Ketsurui-Motoyoshi Katsuko. The name alone carried weight, a reminder of the formidable figure and her storied history. Esari allowed himself a brief glance at the secondary projection now extending before him. It displayed not only Katsuko’s data but also a profile of his great aunt Katara Eitan, a name that carried its own implications within the web of Yaducath Intelligence Agency operations.
Esari exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable as he composed his response. "Thank you for your assistance, YSS Battle of Becurn. We have launched a communications buoy containing the latest intelligence on the situation."
The projection dimmed, but the tension in the room remained. Esari’s thoughts turned to the hybridized ships still adrift. Reports streamed in about the Senti’s attempts to restore the vessels using a phased conversion protocol. On the test ship, the process had succeeded: its reactor systems had restarted, switching from the dimensional energy tap to aetheric power. Within moments, the ship’s systems hummed back to life, its commander confirming a successful reboot under normal operational conditions.
Yet Esari knew not all ships would fare as well. Some were too far gone, their reactors critically damaged, their mindhives shattered beyond repair. Each failure represented more lives lost to the relentless void, a grim reality he was forced to endure. The faint glow of the map overlay reflected off Esari’s sharp features as he resumed his analysis. There was no room for sentiment now. Every decision had to be calculated, every word deliberate. For the sake of the survivors ~ and for those yet to face the coming storm ~ he would continue to tread the fine line between protocol and necessity.
Esari sat with his usual composed demeanor, though the tension of the moment was palpable. He hesitated for only a moment before making the difficult decision: he would not authorize the Star Army to use their teleportation systems on the hybridized ships. The decision directly contradicted the terms of the accord, but he knew the risks outweighed the benefits. Some of the ships were already exhibiting signs of mindhive death, and forcing the issue could spell disaster. This was one of those rare occasions where asking for forgiveness later was the wiser course of action.
His violet eyes flicked to the LUMEN map overlay, glowing faintly in the dim light of the command deck. The voice of Taisa Canterbury crackled through the comms, providing a rundown of the situation. Esari listened attentively, his focus unwavering until the Taisa finished speaking. "Our mindhive will transmit the coordinates and details for each ship deemed stable enough for personnel extraction," Esari replied, his tone even but firm. "Be prepared to encounter UNN personnel who may choose to remain aboard their vessels. That decision is theirs to make, and it is one we must respect." He could not help but wonder what the end of this would look like. The A'aenalin began to identify each tagged vessel and directed the Wakaba towards the first group.
The next inquiry was simpler, though no less crucial. "Our intelligence indicates it is unlikely the Craethel have sufficient ships ready to mount an incursion," Esari continued. "Should that assessment change, you will receive ample warning."
His attention shifted momentarily as another message arrived, this time from Ketsurui-Motoyoshi Katsuko. The name alone carried weight, a reminder of the formidable figure and her storied history. Esari allowed himself a brief glance at the secondary projection now extending before him. It displayed not only Katsuko’s data but also a profile of his great aunt Katara Eitan, a name that carried its own implications within the web of Yaducath Intelligence Agency operations.
Esari exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable as he composed his response. "Thank you for your assistance, YSS Battle of Becurn. We have launched a communications buoy containing the latest intelligence on the situation."
The projection dimmed, but the tension in the room remained. Esari’s thoughts turned to the hybridized ships still adrift. Reports streamed in about the Senti’s attempts to restore the vessels using a phased conversion protocol. On the test ship, the process had succeeded: its reactor systems had restarted, switching from the dimensional energy tap to aetheric power. Within moments, the ship’s systems hummed back to life, its commander confirming a successful reboot under normal operational conditions.
Yet Esari knew not all ships would fare as well. Some were too far gone, their reactors critically damaged, their mindhives shattered beyond repair. Each failure represented more lives lost to the relentless void, a grim reality he was forced to endure. The faint glow of the map overlay reflected off Esari’s sharp features as he resumed his analysis. There was no room for sentiment now. Every decision had to be calculated, every word deliberate. For the sake of the survivors ~ and for those yet to face the coming storm ~ he would continue to tread the fine line between protocol and necessity.
Ships from the Star Army First Fleet, including YSS Resurgence joined the effort to give the Norian refugees a warm welcome to the Kikyo Sector. As they closed in on the disabled Norian ships, Euikoshi ran scans of the vessels, using the Resurgence's MEGAMI computer to automatically make a list of the ships that seemed to need assistance the most, and she sent those to the ship's away team to come up with a plan.
Down in the shuttle bay, Beryl had her transport shuttle, Barrels of Fun, ready to go. There were no piles of away team gear save for extra medical supplies and blankets, no ammo refills, and no MINDY armors on pallets - she'd tried to leave every available seat open for potential refugees. All of the Resurgence technicians were on standby with starship repair supplies and engineering tools, ready to provide repairs. As the usual away team joined them in the bay, they could see Pidole there with Caihong, Plum, Tomoko, Azumi, and Taro. Sakuko had her shuttle ready as well.
Using Euikoshi's data and the data from the Mindhive, Captain Aoba selected some of the worse-off ships that looked like they were barely holding together, and passed those to the away teams as evacuation sites.
Cassie looked around at her fellow Resurgence crew mates, dressed in one of the nifty new Type 47 Explorer uniforms. "Does this make my butt look big?" she asked Hayden with a sigh. It was pretty form fitting. She hopped in the shuttle. Even though she felt kind of naked without her Mindy, she was reassured by the sight of Sanda and Yoshiro, her always-reliable battle buddies.
"Your butt makes your butt look big, so quit worrying 'bout it." Hayden laughed, and leaned against her a bit as he sat beside her. "You're all right in anything, Cass. Looks good on ya."
Poppy Pink patted Sanda on the shoulder as she followed along, carrying a fat olive drab bag full of medical gear on the back of her teal-paneled suit. "Ready," she said. "Remember Norians like it cooler than humans so I recommend cranking the shuttle's temperature setting down a few degrees," she told Beryl.
"Got it," Beryl nodded.
"Siempre." Sanda nodded to her pink haired friend.
Yayoi was suited up in her explorer uniform and saw Yuri also suiting up. "what?' she asked her mother "they might need medical aid" she told her mother.
Yayoi nodded, feeling some pride in her daughter's compassion.
Esari watched LUMEN's scans carefully, when the Resurgence entered the OA, the tactical officer automatically knew what he wanted, "Fuji-Class, YSS Resurgence according to her hull markings." Esari nodded and opened a communication to the gunship, "YSS Resurgence, this is the UNN A’aenalin. I am Esari Eitan and I am in command of this ship. Please be advised, do not shoot the monstrosities you see moving from ship to ship, they are sylphs and they are allied." he figured he better warn them, last thing he needed was a dead Sylph.
As Esari sent the message the A’aenalin's six cruiser escorts continued to move within the concentrated debris and wreckage zones, pulling potential critical ships out of the OA and ferrying those they could pick up quickly. It was obvious that these seven vessels were very different than the one's crumbling, their prestine white organic-looking hulls glistened as the rays from Akina's star danced across the surface.
The YSS Tokyo and YSS Battle of Becurn had taken up position near one of the massive Yunaesa-Class Dreadnoughts and were utilising their Fukuro-Class shuttles to run two different routes, one from the ships back to their own, and then another steady stream of shuttles headed toward the surface.
"UNN A’aenalin, this is YSS Resurgence, we understand," Captain Aoba replied. "We are deploying humanitarian assitance teams on our rescue shuttles," he told him.
Yoshiro was sittng alone and waiting for the mission to begin if it hadn't already. His wrist was sore but he fought through the pain and waited for his orders. He was happy to be helping with a humanitarian mission and he was happy to be not fighting for once.
The Resurgence's shuttles docked with a huge Norian ship that looked like it had been in the midst of being scrapped when it was commandeered from the shipyards for the emergency evacuation. It's aged power systems were unstable and low on fuel and coolant, life support was failing, and small electrical fires had started all over the ship after the jump. When the shuttle hatch opened, Pidole had to pry the Norian hatch open using a hydraulic jack.
Yoshiro looked out at the ship that they were docking with. He was ready to get to work to help however he could. "Where do you need me at?" Yoshiro asked with enthusiasm.
Immediately there was a haze of smoke in the air as the Resurgence's rescue team stepped out into the Norian vessel. "Go ahead and grab all of the shuttle's fire extinguishers," Poppy told the team. "Activate your explorer suit's air forcefields."
Sanda took the nearest fire extinguisher to her and gave it a quick check before moving onto the Norian ship. The sight of it gave her pause as the trama of the last time came rushing back. It surprised her greatly that it bothered her at all. Shaking her head she pulled the pin on her extinguisher and began to systimaticly put out the closest fires to the shuttle entrance.
Yoshiro grabbed a fire extinguisher and helped to put out fires and make sure that if people needed help that they got the help they needed.
Yayoi immediately hurried to the nearest fire extinguisher near her and activated her suit's air forcefields. as she followed Sanda. Mentally, she knew Sanda wasnt going to get radiation this time.
Cassie switched on a flashlight and looked around the dark, smoky interior of the Norian ship. "Wow, rusty," she observed. "I wonder if this retired ship is from the old wars in Ayenee or something. Let's find our way to the survivors and get them out of here."
"Norians really had to use everything for the evacuations eh?" Yoshiro said as he followed Cassie to help survivors. He watched for any survivors so they could evac them to somewhere safe.
Pidole held up a labeled tool box from a damage control station she investigated. "My translator says this ship's name is UNN Taelas," she told the team. She pointed to an old school damage control panel with little LED lights on a map of the deck. "Here's our map, and where the fires are," she said, taking a mental photo of it and copying it to the team. Her beetle buddy Bidole buzzed around her head looking around.
Hayden's lights, on suit, by FARS, and handheld scanned a wide band around them as they advanced. "I need to get one of them Advancer things so I don't gotta take pictures and can just remember things automagically like y'all Yamataians."
Poppy sketched out a route to the ship's bridge where they were likely to find the Norian survivors onto the map image and then made that into an augmented reality line that they could follow there.
Yoshiro put out a small fire near his location and scanned for survivors as he continued to put out fires and clear debris to help with clearing the route on the map.
"Shit, I got a dead body here," Cassie suddenly said. "Poppy, you want to check this guy out?"
"You can go ahead," Poppy said as she knelt down to check on the Elf body on the floor. She turned him over and scanned him. "Looks like asphyxiation, not enough air and what little there is full of toxic smoke. Hopefully the bridge is in better shape."
Yoshiro lifted the debris so they could remove the body while saying a prayer for the dead person who had died.
"agreed" Yayoi said as Yoshiro assisted Poppy with checking on the Norian body.
"Damn, he was trying to find a spacesuit in this locker but they were all gone," Cassie noted. "That shit sucks."
Pidole looked at the locker. "It may have been removed prior to the scrapping, or perhaps other survivors took them first."
"We'll have to make sure that we get these bodies back to their families so they can lay them to rest." Yoshiro said as he flagged the location for the recovery teams. "Anyone know how we got this sudden influx of refugees?"
"agreed, mark the location of the bodies we find along the way" Yayoi said, before she turned as Pidole began speaking. "copy that" she said.
"Update from Resurgence, we have to stablize this ship's power core or it will likely explode with us on it," Pidole told the team. "Cassie, you're with me. I am going to try to get the reactor shut down in engineering. Everyone else can continue to get the survivors, okay?"
"Be safe," Poppy told Pidole. She looked to Yoshiro, "Aoba said there was a civil war in their universe," she reminded Yoshiro as they closed in on the UNN Taelas's bridge.
"Watch yourself, Cass." Hayden waved to her as she left with Pidole.
"I see. Well I will help however I can, but whoever is responsible for these refugees needs to be punished. This is not right. Innocent people are dying and they just get away with it." Yoshiro said angrily, his determination to defend the innocent overriding his common sense.
On the UNN Taelas's bridge, the life support was more robust and designed to be one of the shelters in the event of failures in the rest of the older vessel. They would notice as they moved toward the bridge, that there was displays of old uniforms, medals, along with plaques about the ship's service to the Norian Empire during the first days of their transuniversal missions. The ship had been a museum, and likely never expected to move again - yet they had made it across the universes.
On the bridge, they would find a small group of Norians that were obviously suffering from the early signs of deprivation, a benefit of their spiral lungs and phsyiology was their much lower oxygen requirements. In addition to the group of six indivudals, there was another, a silver haired male slumped over in the command chair, his slightly difference appearance with triple pointed ears would make him noticably different than the others.
"How old even is this place?" Hayden wondered aloud over the comms as they entered the museum bridge. "Or that dude?" He went over to examine the nearest person, and handed over some of the supplies. "So what, we carry them back to the shuttle?"
Poppy introduced herself to the Norians, "Hello, we are here to help. My name is Dr. Poppy Pink, a Chui in the Star Army of Yamatai. I have oxygen in my bag as well as some masks. We have a shuttle waiting nearby. Can we assist you?"
The male slumped over in the command chair stirred as the Star Army soldiers arrive. He was shocked to see them - he had not expected the ship to make it. When Poppy introduced herself he nodded and said in a course voice, "I am Genovus, but please get them first," he said as he pointed to the small group. It was obvious he needed help too, but as he had always been, he was selfless.He felt strange, why could he not utilize his abilities? he felt as if he had left part of himself behind.
Sanda moved over to where the older looking Norian indicated. She had basic first aid training and even some extra training she'd picked up over the years. Knealing down beside a Norian female and helped her sit up. The Nepleslian Ranger unscrewed the top of a bottle of water and helped the woman take a drink. "You'll be alright now." She offered encouragingly.
Poppy unfolded a grav gurney and handed it off to Yoshiro, who took it, ready to carry anyone who couldn't walk. The other survivors might be able to walk alongside it and use it for support if needed, or they could lean on the Resurgence crew.
"Where are the rest of your people?" Sanda asked helping the woman to her feet. This ship had to have way more people on it than just the bridge crew.
Meanwhile, down in the reactor room, Pidole and Cassie worked to stabilize the dimensional tap by throttling down its output to a minimal level.
The old dimensional tap unit, thanks to Pidole and Cassie began to purge and blast excess plasma out of the ship's sublight drives. They had successfully stopped the reactor from reaching critical.
"Hey, uh, they probably want to save all this stuff, right?" Hayden asked.
"Go ahead and secure it," Poppy gave the word to Hayden. "We can return it later."
"On it. I'm-a stage it all by where we docked the shuttle." He hefted the nearest thing, looking around at the reactions of any Norians looking his way to judge if this was the right one.
YSS Resurgence, Bridge
"Resurgence Actual, this is Yukika II Actual, does your team require any assistance, Taisa?" Shōsa Motoyoshi Tachiko hailed the Resurgence.
Captain Aoba replied, "Not at this time, but thank you."
Outside the ship
Trowa and Aalto had suited up in their Mechas for this mission. Selecting the squad name RoughRiders they had origanlly escorted the Resurgence's shuttles in. Now they were doing a fly over the Norian ship to see if there were other ways they might help.
Trowa tapped his mic. "You reading me RoughRider 2?"
"Loud and clear, RoughRider 1." Sulevi was glad to be back in the saddle; he felt most comfortable in the seat of a mech.
Trowa grinned. "Good. Lets see what we can find around on the other side. Watch out for debris. These ships look like they're just barely holding together."
"Roger that." Sulevi eased his mech forward, making a circle around the crippled ship.
Along with the Battle of Becurn were others from Pioneer's Sword, including the smallest Nozomi II-class Scouts.
"We're here for escort and emergency intervention. As you all know the Yukika II is a cramped ship at the best of times. That said, if we need to receive a shuttle, be prepared." Shōsa Motoyoshi Tachiko addressed the crew. "Sensors and Tactical, keep your scans and graviton projectors ready in case we need to catch or tow. Ops and Intel, keep the current battlespace up."
And with the Fifth was the corporate detachment. The Yugumo Corporation's Shuryoku-class Super Freighter, enormous container ships designed to be stacked full of Standard Starship Cargo Containers, were loaded with every single one of Sunflower's SSCC-XL Living Modules they had in their inventory. Each one was an apartment mega-tower the envy of any in Kyōto or Tōkyō, and every Misha and Yugure class with them possessed hundreds of fold down beds. And the Tanya-class could hold thousands upon thousands, even their stated maximum didn't count camping in the Arboretum. Each Tanya was a hive for Taka-class shuttles and Sagi-class heavy transports that swarmed out to ferry and shuttle en masse back to the waiting corporate and Star Army ships.
"Hai Captain," Cytari chimed before going to address the rest of Engineering Department. "Keep the systems your responsible for up and running so we can best support the crew's efforts." She looked over them to gauge their readiness for what was ongoing. "If survivors arrive, Uehara and Rae will remain on equipment. The rest of us will go to render aid. Understood?" All the technicians responded with a resound, "Understood Chui!"
"Akhai-Chui?" Tachiko turned to her Norian Chief Engineer, "Stand by in case we need to use that."
"Hai Captain," Cytari responded. If that needed to be used, they were screwed.
Tachiko just nodded. "Ops, make sure the armor squads are ready in case more hands are needed aboard one."
The A’aenalin was taking on as many as they could, but the battleship could only take so many, and they had started before the Star Army arrived. One of the science officers approached Esari and gave him a glance, then vespered, //"Tia..Voli...I mean Tia'Aest, not urgent but you need to look at the log from our scans of the surface later."// Esari didn't react, and his eyes remained focused on LUMEN's projected map as well as the scans of the UNN ships.
On the more stable vessels, UNN officers remained at their posts and did not get on the evacuation shuttles being sent by the Star Army.They knew full well what their move after this would be - a hasty return to the front lines. Those caught on board failing vessels, waited until civilians were evacuated first. Slowly and surely progress was being made.
In the outer zones, near the Senti ships it continued to hit and miss as their efforts to stop the reactors on some of the ships going critical. With their dimensional taps essentially locked in the "OPEN" position, the older and most obsolete vessels were the first to go, toward open space those looking in that direction would see as one by one, the ships exploded, spreading debris acorss space.
The obvious superior white hulled ships had reached capacity, and had began to ferry survivors to the surface Aid Zone. As this humanitarian operation was carried out in the SARPiverse, in the Chrystalis Unvorsum, their armadas began to move in on the Denau System. Esari was sent regular reports on the progress of ships on both sides.
Aelya responded to the regular reports from Esari, informing him of anything that he might need to know from their end of things.
Another surge of energy could be detected along the system bounrdry as yet another transuniversal arrival occured. The UNN Taesi emerged for the vortex before it closed. Thankfully the ship had already been outfitted, it didn't help the obvious battle damage that pitted its hull. Due to the outfitting the ship was in danger of going critical and when it came to those massive vessels they could take a lot of damage. Grand Admiral Islerius signalled both Esari , the Star Army and Aeyla on the surface, "Hope you got room for more, but we can wait. Our condition is not as bad as it may look. Once we get these people offloaded we will immediately depart to rejoin our fleet." The Taesi was one of two ships that had dared to barrel through the Craethel line to take on civilians on the homeworld's largest moon.
As reports flushed in about another transuniversal arrival that had occured, Aelya started reaching out to other planets that had facilitated survivors when they had first arrived. Any that could accomodate survivors were welcomed to assist. Ema Himari responded stating that Anisa could facilitate overflow if need be. Thankfully extra housing had been constructed do to the length of time it took for such things due to the use of Sanctuary Technology. Though it was always good practice to have a back up plan, just in case.
Esari didn't answer Islerius, he knew that the Grand Admiral was more than capable and didn't need caudling. Now that progress was being made, his main concern was just getting the whole operation finished. What had started with two hundred civilian ships, had become a complete mess when the UNN vessels entered the system. Things appared to be escalating back home.
Sanda was suited up in the new Explorer uniform. She liked the fit of it as well as the look. She had her usual gear. Plasma revolver, dark NSP (a replacement to the one that damn golden robot had stolen!) and two straight silver blades. She remembered the last time she had gone on a rescue mission to save Norian from damaged ships. She had gotten a huge dose of radiation poisoning.
Yoshiro had suited up in his Explorer suit and prepared for his next mission. He wasn't too happy with himself about letting Mitalar get away from him but he had another mission to worry about and get this done.
Outside Asarthortar - Aid Zone [Open to the Public]
Volunteers were busy aiding those that arrived in as coherent a manner as possible. Emergency management crews checked over portable aid facilities that had already been set up before moving on to the next item on their to-do list. That is once the facilities had been built the workers seperated into different groups to support those in other areas. Some went to assist at the medical aid trailers, to help Xythen at the front to help guide people, and others help coordinators with their various tasks. Any help was welcome in all areas of the aid camp as workers were inundated by the amont of survivors. They were just happy that anyone had made it.
Medical aid workers zipped amongst those directed their way bringing those that needed care to their triage area. Those designated to triage had their hands full sorting physical injuries from mental, all inflicted by the trauma caused during their arrival. For some it would be a long road to recovery either way. As wounded were triaged they were seperated into different treatment areas depending on nature and severity of their injuries. Though all could hear the heart wrenching tears of those who had lost everything.
Coordinators were scrambling about compiling lists with assistance of basecamp's mindhive Nythae. Details survivors provided were taken down to further assist with integration, relocation and family reconnection. This group was in coordination with medical crews to communicate the deaths of those that made it to the aid zone, but could not carry on further.
Lo'ken Institute's stations that were handing out sustenance were busier than they could handle. Employees worked as fast as possible to get survivors food and water as needed. Some were in the background discussing that more would be needed and Othari coordinated resupplies as needed. "Send everything we got," she stated to representatives from the supplier's respective personnel.
Coordinators began to set up transport for survivors to take them to housing in the Sanctuary City. There had been extra constructed for projected population growth due to the amount of time it took for the structures to be grown. Civilians that lived within Asarthortar grouped together to help get people settled in once they arrived. Many gave of their own belongings so that survivors would not be without anything to call their own. This included toys, clothing, furniture, and anything else that someone could conceivably need.
Asarthortar Palace - Basecamp [Open to the Public]
Outside
Workers from the Aid Zone outside of Asarthortar had quickly expanded things into the area outside of basecamp. Smaller iterations of what had been set up outside the city were set up inside the Asarthortar Palace Basecamp as well to help accomodate the influx of survivors that arrived. Any that arrived to assist were welcome with open arms, they needed all the help they could get as things flowed over from the Aid Zone.
The four arrivals that had dove right in to offer assitance were hard at work, their lowly clothing and lack of jewlery was all it took for them to blend right in. It was time to offer assistance, not become the latest news broadcast. Haeun and Sorle continued to set up tents and other temporary structures where those who would be able to get immediate housing could wait their turn. Meanwhile Caecyan and Teal continued to assist with food preparation. Just as they had ordered - they kept their heads down and worked as hard as they could.
As Caecyan worked at the food preparation table, a young child around eight years of age approached him. The child looked at him, his eyes wide in shock. It was obvious the child was of the age that Norian children took their second level studies, and when he looked toward the man he knew exactly who he looked like. Caecyan grabbed an Oatalana fruit from the prep table and crouched down and handed it to the boy. He then reached into his robe and pulled out a blue feather and placed it in the child's hand, then held his finger up in front of his own mouth. "Shh..." The child took the peice of fruit and ran back into the crowd.
A five-year old little girl had spotted Caecyan handing the boy a Oatalana fruit. It was her favorite and she was feeling snacky, her parents nowhere in sight. She had no idea who he was, but there was something about him that made her feel safe. The little girl ran over gently tugging at his robes. "Excuse me sir, do you have any more of those treats?" she said in a mischievious whisper.
Inside
Meanwhile inside the room that functioned as Basecamp communications buzzed about the arrival of Star Army vessels in conjunction with other civilian vessels. Aelya breathed a sigh of relief. Things seemed to be taking a turn for the better once support had come. While the atmosphere in the room hung heavy, it was a bit lighter now that their saviors had come to their aid once more.
As another transuniversal breech was reported communications rose again. The room taking on a serious tone, how many were coming? If so many survivors made it over in the states that had been reported, would the attackers follow?
Mining Guild
Within the Mining Guild's Polaris-class ultra carrier starship known as the Constellation, crews were scrambling, stretchers, hoverchairs and all manner of mobility assistance were brought over to the airlocks, as the Norian refugees were brought to the ship. so that they can be taken to the medical bay for medical treatment, or to new temporary quarters should their injuries not be deemed severe enough to be life threatening.
Those Norian Refugees in the medical bay would find themselves in the autodocs to help the medical staff treat all of them.
Sora Kurosaki sat on her hoverchair, to keep herself at head level. "Welcome to the Kikyo Sector and the Constellation, please, use our mobility assistance vehicles should you need it due to old age or severe injuries, for those not injured, we have warm beds, and delicous food, if your hungry, water if your thirsty, and your physiology allows it." She said to the arriving Norians
Streams of survivors arrived on the Constellation, they were just grateful to be off the ships they had arrived on. Many of them were older and definately were not equipped for the Kikyo Sector.
Nytha Drenai arrived onboard the Mining Guild's vessel in a state of shock. She had been rescued from one of the vessels that was on the brink of destruction. The cries of those that had not made it echoed in her ears as she shuffled aimlessly through those that had arrived with her.
= = =
OOC: JP by Wes,Vise, Charaa, Cowboy, Liz, Yuuki, Yoshiro, Andrew, GingerGlitch
Wes had C/P issues, and for some reason I could edit spelling etc. But here we go!
The Mining Guild personnel, were diligent in getting the survivors to where they were needed, Pax however, noticed Nytha and her beautiful purple hair immediately. She made her way towards her, a hand extended to her as Pax noticed the state of shock that the poor pretty Norian was in. The big fluffy teddy bear rather Rocko also followed to verbally greet as Pax made contact. “hey there, Miss, are you in any pain?” she asked with concern as she looked her over.
Near where Yoshiro had been handed the gurney there was a norian woman lay on the ground, barely conscious. Her limp form lay as if she had simply collapsed where she had stood before deprivation had set in. The sound of unknown voices made her blink as she was barely able to register what was going on, but new sounds made her hopeful. There was a gorgeous pink haired woman who had passed a gurney to a handsome man with delicious red eyes. A soft, "Thank you," could be heard pass her lips in Trade as she attempted to get someone's attention, even if it meant her last words were thanking them for saving the others. The green haired woman tried to push herself to a seated position, but failed. Instead collapsing to the ground as her blue eyes watched helplessly.
MG.S.S. Constellation
Nytha Drenai
Nytha subconsciously extended her hand out to Pax, she was not entirely sure where to go from there. Once Rocko entered she was momentarily distracted by his comforting appearance. A tear fell from her eyes when Pax asked if she was in pain, she shook her head no. "Only for those who did not make it," she said sorrowfully wiping the tear away with the back of her hand. "Thank you for helping us." she said trying to distract herself. She was uninjured and functional, therefore she wanted to help the others. "Is there anything I can do to help you with the others? As thanks for rescuing us." she said said gratefully, though her words were still tinged with sorrow.
Pax offered Nytha a gentle smile, understanding the weight of her emotions. "I’m so sorry for your loss," she said softly, taking a moment to acknowledge the pain that came with such a harrowing experience. "But you're safe now, and we’re here to support you and everyone else."
Rocko, standing beside Pax, leaned slightly closer to Nytha, his plush exterior inviting comfort rather than fear. "You’re not alone," he reassured her with a warm, friendly demeanor. "We’ll make sure everyone gets the help they need. Right, Pax?"
Pax nodded vigorously, her eyes glinting with determination. "We can definitely use your help! We have people arriving who need care and attention. If you're feeling up to it, you could help guide others to the medical area or assist in distributing supplies."
Akiko reported with her usual professional tone, "The others will be arriving presently. Their rendezvous was successful." As she attended to the Tokyo and the local battlegroup. The bulk of the special relief group they had put together had met up at a staging area near the Akina system, at randomly selected coordinates. Just in case they had to jump in early.
Akina System
The small escorts of the 48th Task Force of the First Expeditionary Fleet included three Plumeria gunships amidst all the others. They were spread to cover primarily the three Minori-class ships at the core.
There were less than fifty ships in that group, all told, but the hospital ships immediately began to dispatch a small swarm of shuttles with medical personnel aboard. All of the viable vessels for the mission had shown up, even the two Rikei science ships were there, both to lend their shuttles to the walking wounded, and to monitor the spacetime variations caused by the new arrivals as they were to passively take in data.
A contingent of the Logistics Group jumped in with the task fleet, headed by two groups of heavy ships led by a Yamato flagship each. Trailing them and breaking off were spare Shuryoku freighters, though with the supply of blocks limited, they were loaded with emergency supplies for distribution. This included medicine, food, water, and other essentials. Most were bound with a Fuji heavy escort to Akina. They would transfer goods in orbit, and support the operations of their converted sister ships from the 5XF as-needed.
YSS Tokyo - Command Deck
Ayano had effectively more than doubled the footprint of the fleet, and thus their ability to assist and protect the newest Norians to make the harrowing trip. Akiko added an extra emergency corridor for fast-moving ships, so they could have one going towards Akina (III) and one away at the same time. Some of the larger warships moved to shore up the corridors while smaller ships and shuttles kept closer vectors to avoid straying inside.
The Fifth Expeditionary Fleet Minori-Class hospital ship YSS Kokoro had arrived along with the fleet's Main Expeditionary Battle Group. "Triage, Shuttle One. Four Norian patients on stretchers, 2 adult females, 1 adult male, 1 female child. They appear to be suffering the same condition. Condition unknown, it looks to be a lack of breathable air. We don't have any experience with this, but we saw the 48th Task Force. Docking now, could someone reach out to them? They treated Norians in YE 44 during Operation Fireplace, they might have something." Chui Isato shivered when she received the message from Shuttle One. She sent a contingent of medical personnel to receive the patients with orders to rush them through triage to the ICU.
"48th Task Force, YSS Kokoro Triage. We have several Norian patients suffering various medical conditions. Our personnel have no experience treating any of these conditions. If you have any diagnosis, symptoms, treatment plans, we'd take any help we could get." Chui Isato cut off the communication with the 48th Task Force and alerted ICU on Deck 7 to the incoming patients. "Captain, Triage. We may need to temporarily convert the Nekovalkyrja Treatment Center into extra ICU beds for patients." Isato's shoulders sunk after delivering that message. She prayed that the 48th Task Force had something, anything that could help. "Triage, Captain. Permission granted, use whatever space you need."
Gyntyc to any Yamataian vessels in our AO. Our weapons systems have been shown effective for shutting down runaway dimensional tap reactors by disrupting their self sustaining rifts. Our math suggests an Aether Shock Array will prove as effective in the same manner. However, the first vessel we tested on used about 5% of our onboard uranium stores. We launched with 10% combat load and full torpedos. Our vessel can feed warheads from our torpedos into the beam cutter cores to give us more shots. However, with our current supply, we only have at most twenty five more shots assuming Norian intelligence is correct and these refugees are coming without persuers, which would force us to use torpedos and engage hostiles.
Gyntyc requests resupply, raw uranium metal in 0.5 meter diameter rods, truncated with a 10 degree cone, 80% pure or better, each rod should be 5.25 meters long. We understand this is a big ask. We also request assistance. At this time, Gyntyc is the only Shuristan vessel with multiple beam cutter battery arrays, and as such, is the only Shuristan vessel capable of producing the turbulent wave front that collapses dimensional tap rifts. The YEMA fleet will provide tug vessels and their gravity web towing mechanism to reinforce Norian reactor shielding for the procedure. Please follow our procedure to save as many mindhives as we can. We believe this procedure will be up to 70% effective based on the age and condition of refugee vessels.
The text message was sent as the cutter arrays fired again into the plasma offgas of another Norian vessel, gravity webs straining against the influx of high energy plasma, containing it, pushing it backwards through the rift at such pressure to threaten to tear a hole in space and time to collapse into a microsingularity. But the beams cut completely instants before that could happen, letting the rift collapse into itself and unleash the heat and radiation of its event horizon crashing into itself.
Esari watched, he and his team's sylphs moved from ship to ship still tagging and sorting them out by condition and the number of civilians onboard. The beacons placed on their hulls flashed repeating over and over again transmitting the data. Esari had been wise to launch the buoy, for it transmitted information in a constant pattern so he didn't have to personally answer every single ship in the AO. As civilians were evacuated from the struggling military tough decisions would have to be made, He didn't envy those commanders and his heart bled for them. The UNN A’aenalin transmitted the coordinates relayed by the tags to each of the ships providing assistance. Meanwhile his own people worked on ferrying people to the surface so they could pull more from the ships. Escape pods blasted from hulls just before the explosions that followed, the small lifeboats drifted through the formations. "ISS Sobek, UNN A’aenalin, please assist UNN Kalok, Migothi-Class Cruiser, I have sent you the coordinates," A’aenalin's mindhive transmitted.
"The Shuristan ship is requesting uranium," the communications officer relayed. It would take too long to fabricate to truly provide what they needed, and the norians had not used such metals in longer than they possessed technology to leave their own solar system. "Have our factory start producing what they require but send the message through the buoy repeater a few cycles, maybe someone else has it on hand," The communications officer nodded in affirmation and did as he ordered. He ensured that even if fabrication of the amount of material took time they would explore every option.
The six cruisers were still in a constant cycle of rescuing people, ferrying them to the UNN A’aenalin, and then to the surface. The A’aenalin's graviton beam emitters activated in succession pulling escape pods through the growing field of debris as hey maintained a position where they could not only be the most help and direct other ships by relaying the tags the Sylphs continued to tirelessly place.
It was a tough thing, having been told in the middle it all that he was to be crowned upon return to Vespa, which now along with Lorenz had handled nearly the full capacity of refugees from Noria that they could handle. Overflow from all the operations were being sent to Tsenlan, the Frontier Colonies, and even Laeyra.
Most of the refugees showed their sincere gratitude to those that came to their rescue. There had not been time to react even, when the Craethel invaded Noria it had been a rush to escape, they had utilized the ships they could get to - old or not, and the UNN ships that could took on more than what they could sustain. Orders flowed from ship to ship. Esari already knew that he was going to come down hard in regard to preparedness, but such policies were little too late in this case- all thanks to Sylix and Vaelaris and their greed driving their betrayal. Outwardly he was calm, collected and doing all he could. Inwardly, he was screaming and A’aenalin's song was the only comforting thing he could lean to. Was he wrong for already thinking about blame and handling the traitors that had caused this?
Between the Star Army and other ships presence a steady progress was being made, at least that brought some relief. There was no longer a civil war, just another with the Craethel. Much like Yamatai that had faced the NMX and SMX over and over, their society had been touched by war.
UNN Taelas
The old ship creaked and groaned as the crew of the YSS Resurgence continued to help people. Genovus propped himself up in the command chair, relieve as he watched them take care of the people he had saved when they took the museum ship from the shipyard. His multi-tipped pointed ears twitched as he took a sharp breath and slumped back, exhausted and broken.
YSS Battle of Becurn
Katsuko remained on the bridge, giving orders and directing their rescue shuttles as they began to make head way on the evacuation of the massive Dreadnought, there were reasons she had instinctively had picked the larger ship to assist; there was a higher chance of of someone important being on it.
Yoshiro picked the collapsed woman and gently placed her on the gurney and had someone take her somewhere so she could get taken care of. He was getting tired and his muscles were starting to hurt. But people were needing his help. "I need to see who else needs my help with anything. I can't just leave them alone." He said to himself. "It's my responsibility as a soldier to help those needing my help." He went over to a makeshift daycare and asked if he could help with anything.
MG.S.S Constellation
All over the ship D3 were rushing supplies to where they were needed, before they were even asked for as Other D3 in those area's relayed the need to the Runner D3's, they followed the normal emergency procedure that the Mining Guild had, quite happy to be so useful supplies were getitng where they needed to get to thanks to the sheer amount of D3 that were present on the Ship.
In storage D3 Were collecting and packing Uranium having received a call from the Shurista in their silent language transmitting the lack of Uranium on the Gyntyc, and so the D3 in the fleet responded to the call for aid from the Senti, getting a few transports ready, the silent Species worked in perfect unison and timing rapidly filling the holds of the ships with the needed uranium, all while another D3 listed the location the supplies taken, the reason it was taken, where it was being sent, and why it was being sent there. After all they had to ensure good book keeping!
On the Bridge the captains personal D3 gently tapped on her arm to get her attention and then showed her the tablet with text reading "We have the Uranium needed by the Gyntyc, with it they can shut down the overloading energy taps of the Norian ships, we have several heavy Cargo shuttles already loaded and ready to go on your command Ma'am! With more being prepped for delivery" the D3 nodded to the captain.
Space - Norian fleet Mining guild D3 Swarm
The tugs continued to move debris and ships around to make evacuation easier, and to keep other ships safe from any of the debris floating about, clearing them and moving them to the side for the time being so they could be possibly collected later, as they did not know how Norians handled the remains of their ships, but the D3 were careful to keep the debris in separate gatherings so they were not mixed, more again because they didn't know how the Norians would handle the debris so it was better to be safe then sorry.
The massive swarm of tugs however moved rapidly, seamlessly, and seemingly without even getting any communications from anywhere or each other, they flew where was needed staying in tight formations and matching speeds and headings when multiple were moving larger ships or debris. they were also making sure to keep other ships stable once they had been moved to better evacuation points, slowly making the cluster of ships look more orderly then it had started out,
Space - Norian fleet - Sobek D3
The lone Wayfinder likely stood out if not by sight then by energy signature, and the fact that it alone was doing the job that would take several tugs to do. moving some of the larger ships into better position now as it aided the other Tugs to make better order of the ships being evacuated. unlike the swarm of Tugs from the mining guild however D3 was keeping a running comm to inform all other ships where the Norian ships were being moved to as well as calculated paths of travel for the whole swarm and the ships they were positioning as well. this was coming through as priority text, to the ships flying through so that a proper Space traffic control was available to all ships rendering aid.
As some of the ships became lifeless, the mourning song of leviathan call began to resound over the hyperspace frequencies and other communications as they grieved for their fallen. Reaching out, calling into the beyond. D3s swarmed, and the Star Army and the ISS Sobek continued their valiant effort along with Esari's ships, minute by minute more and more were saved from impending doom. Thanks to the Shurista, many of their ships and their had avoided certain death by means of reactors not designed for this universe going critical. Esari knew when this was done, there would have to be a reclamation unit sent into the system to handle all the debris and broken ships. There would also have to be a sincere amount of gratitude to all the parties for their assistance.
UNN Taelas
Another woman watched as Yoshiro aided her friend, "Thank you, Thank you so much! We barely had time, they just came so fast." She spoke of the horrors that had been committed by the Craethel. It was obvious she was in shock as she walked toward the soldier, stumbling in her foot steps, She looked at the children that had weathered the trip better than they had, they had diverted what little resources they had to keep the life support functioning. She was obviously in shock, but followed the soldier because she didn't know what else to do.
Unknown Vessels
Three ships exited from transuniversal breach, unlike the old Norian ships they didn't require modifications to their power systems, similar to the massive white ships brought by Esari. The three ships didn't match any of them either, their configuration strangely began to broadcast friendly greetings, and messages of peace as they too joined the efforts. They had heard the songs of the Leviathans and had come to help It was unlikely that the Norians had their ships on record, after all it had been almost five years since their last contact. While the Shurista refueled their weapon that had been modified to interrupt the chain reactions in the runaway obsolete reactors, these new ships transported small crews onto some of the ships in the meantime to attempt to stabilize more of them.
"This is Kenaran Salekina, we heard your calls and have come to assist." It was the only message sent from the lead ship as it appeared to supervise the other ships that had arrived in the formation. Human crews rushed to try and do what they could to assist. They wore polished black combat suits, with tinted helmets that hid their human appearance beneath. They carried strange devices that they would affixed to the reactor sidewall, forcing the control systems of the reactor to vent into space as the tap aperture was closed.
YSS Wakaba
Bridge
Thomas processed the instructions that Commander Esari had given. Not using teleportation would slow things down considerably, yet they would respect the Norians wishes. Looking at the ships they had been assigned to, Thomas came up with a plan. "Heisho Meiosei. Your team will proceed to the marked ship. Chui Suki will take the other. I'm going to move the Wakaba closer and set up a make shift docking tube to both ships at once. It'll be the fastest way to get the civilians evacuated from the ships. Have your techs do their best to get the ships stabilized and if possible, rotate them for a better connection."
Chui Suki and Meiosei acknowledged the orders. Thomas checked that things were taken care of on their end to receive the Norian civilians. Two decks worth of cabins had been set up for lodging and several of the large spaces had been cleared for the masses. The mess halls were also ready to provide food. Hot vegetable stew, fresh bread and water. Medical was also standing by ready to treat anyone who needed attention. Thomas was proud of his ship. He had always been proud of his ship after all they had been through but still. The Wakaba was handling the situation as only they could, head on.
Norian ship
Setsunu stepped off the shuttle into the Norian ship. The air was full of smoke. There were several bodies over the area. Crew who had been fighting the fires and had become overwhelmed. Setsunu knelt by a body and checked them. She detected a pulse, very faint. "Amane, over here." A blue haired Neko in medical teal hurried over. Her neko ears twitched as she put an air mask over man's face. "We need to get them out of here and onto the shuttle." Setsunu nodded. As her Angels began moving the bodies to the shuttle, Setsunu grabbed two of them. Reika, the raven haired combat engineer and Haruka, her other red panel and second in command. "Make for engineering. See if we can get their ship stabilized."
"Aimi." Setsunu motioned to the black panel with the long golden hair. "We're heading for the bridge. We need to figure out where all the civilains are and start prepping them for transfer."
YSS Resurgance Away Team, UNN Taelas
Sanda moved over with another water bottle to the woman Yoshiro had just helped onto the gurney. Very gently she raised her head and helped her to take a little water. "You are going to be ok." Sanda said with a slight smile, trying to encourage the woman. "We're going to take care of you and your people but we'll need some help. We're not familiar with your ship. Can you direct us to where the majority of your people are?"
Outside the UNN Taelas
Trowa and Aalto continued to circle around the Norian ship looking for ways they could help. They came upon a life pod. It looked like it had ejected from another ship but with all the debris and tight packed ships it had crashed into this one and had become entangled. "RoughRider 2. You see that? Lets see if we can't get them loose."
Trowa and Aalto continued to circle around the Norian ship looking for ways they could help. They came upon a life pod. It looked like it had ejected from another ship but with all the debris and tight packed ships it had crashed into this one and had become entangled. "RoughRider 2. You see that? Lets see if we can't get them loose."
"Copy, I see it." Aalto moved his mech closer to the pod, energizing one of his mech's grav emitters. "Should I give it a pull, or should I try cutting it loose?"
Yoshiro smiled at the woman speaking to him. Inside he was very angry with the Craethal and he hoped that he was going to get some payback for the innocent people who were hurt by the aliens that had attacked them. "Are you all right Do you need medical attention?" He asked the lady who had spoken to him.
Asarthortar Palace - Basecamp [Open to the Public]
Sensors alerted those on position that YSS Tokyo had arrived along with the 48th Task Force of the First Expeditionary Fleet. There was a bit of relief that Aelya felt as additional support from the Star Army arrived. The 48th Task Force's hospital ships had assisted their people during Operation Fireplace, for which she was forever grateful. Local norian doctors in varying areas of expertise had also arrived to help coordinate treatment for any conditions that others might need assistance with. "YSS Tokyo and 48th Task Force, Tsenlan. We have medical professionals on standby should you need their expertise in treating norians. Thank you for coming to our aid." Aelya communicated to them through direct comms. Medical personnel had also noted that YSS Kokoro from the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet had arrived yet not requested aid, they sent a message to see if there was anything they could assist with. They also cc'd Katsuko to keep things kosher.
Starbase E'sthlond patched the D3 running comm through to Tsenlan via mindhive message so they could keep abreast of the situation, free of overwhelming signal interference. Aelya was intrigued by the text communication and wondered how something that could not verbally communicate was so efficient. Well, perhaps they could but she did not know at the time. The Aester leaned over, "Vasati can you look into this for me please?" she communicated via vesper. Vasati responded in the affirmative, cooperating with Nythae to get started on what they could. Nythae was also fascinated with the creatures and happy to assist.
Another three ships exited from transuniversal breach, none like any had seen in some time. It was likely that whoever it was had heard the songs of the dying leviathans and come to assist. Though the tone in Basecamp shifted to one of unease. Who were they? Aelya was feeling a little restless sitting here, she wanted to be out there in space helping. Though her new role unfortunately found her locked to the surface. She made a decision that she would make it up to her sylph later for missing out.
Outside Asarthortar - Aid Zone [Open to the Public]
Coordinators for relocation were notified that Anisa had been added as an option, should survivors choose. YEMA representatives had sent facility location information in regards to environment, capacity, and other pertinent data. Tsenlan coordinators sent back temperature requirements for norian biology and let them know there would be a heads up before anyone got sent that way. More survivors were filtered towards the housing in Tsenlan to help clear up congestion in the Aid Zone.
MG.S.S. Constellation
The purple haired norian nodded somberly to Pax's condolences. A sad expression was on her face as she listened. When Rocko spoke up she was pleasantly distracted, his plush exterior giving her a sense of comfort and fascination. Something about him reminded her of a plushie she had as a child and it brought back happy memories.
Nytha's white eyes flicked from Rocko to Pax, a determined expression washed over her face. "I can help others to the medical area. Is it set up for Norian biology? I'm no doctor, but I know some of the basic needs." she said quietly. Delving in to work and getting busy was just what she needed to keep her mind off things at the moment.
UNN Taela
Sana's eyes flicked over to Genovus as she was lifted onto the gurney. After a brief moment her blue hues flicked back to Yoshiro as he placed her gently, she looked around and spotted her friend who walked over. It seemed her friend was little better off that she herself was. She kept a careful eye out for her friend who seemed in shock. Sana shifted to try getting off the gurney, pausing when she noticed another of the Resurgence had moved over to her. The norian offered a slight smile in return, though she felt nothing inside except worry for others that had fled with them.
The woman's question made her frown a bit as it brought sorrow, Taelas' leviathan would have been able to assist. That is, had it not given its life in saving the inhabitants within. However, she had helped to coordinate where people would stay. So she knew where they would be. Sana accepted a sip of water, then spoke weakly. "They are in Crew Quarters, I could show you the way. Our leviathan has passed so there is no way for her to direct you." Sana looked to the soldiers, "I'm going to try getting up," she said hoping that her body allowed her to do so. It was not just a matter of getting herself care, there were others lives at stake.
Carefully she stood, avoiding bumping into Sanda or the soldiers. She cast a glance to the children, then to her friend. It was all so much to handle. "Its not to long of a walk from here," she said looking over Sanda, her friend and Yoshiro as if beconing those who wished to help to follow. Though she did not know if her friend would be able to as she herself stumbled along towards exiting the bridge.
UNN A'aenalin
Elyra Naexi entered the bridge with an air of cold composure. "Communication bouy not working?" she quipped towards the comms officer. Her true feelings on the matter evident in the look her blue eyes gave as she swung herself into a position next to them. Her pink hair swished as she plopped down. "Let's see what we can do to keep things going here," she said quietly to herself as she poured over what was coming in. In addition to the message being sent through buoy by the communications officer, she sent it a few times herself to ensure it got through. She monitored for any responses that necessitated non-buoy responses. Given the situation she didn't find it pertinent to let Esari know she had come up, if it was important he'd find out when the time came.
Another transuniversal breach had been detected, its communication message made her eyebrow raise. "Fabulous, who are these new guests?" she said quietly debating. She sent out a response, "Kenaran Salekina, UNN A'enalin. Thank you for coming to assist." She looked to the communications officer next to her with a curious look. This was not the time or place to be picky about where help came from.
Cae and Tea watched as yet another group of refugees shuffled past, their eyes hollow, each pair a window into unimaginable loss. The makeshift station had offered them what little comfort it could ~ clean water, a handful of rations, a hasty registration. It was not nearly enough but they had seen what this 'Star Army' was made of through action.
When the line thinned momentarily, Cae noticed tears glistening on Tea's cheeks. She stood as if turned to stone, her gaze lingering on those who had just passed through. Cae stepped back from the table and wrapped his arms around her, a quiet, steadying presence amid the unending sorrow. //"I know. I know,"// he vespered, his tone thick with empathy. //"This is painful to watch, and it’s only the beginning. There will be more, many more."//
Tea’s voice trembled softly as she answered in kind, //"I… I don’t want to see any more, but I know I have no choice. I’m sorry for reacting like this. At least my tears don’t stand out among all these sad, hollow faces."// She clung to his robes, not wanting him to let go. As she glanced back at the crowd, her eyes caught sight of women wearing cage-like ornaments over their ears, symbols of grief worn openly. It stabbed at her heart ~ these were her people, each one a life and a story lost in the bleak tide of tragedy. In her eyes, each- and- every- one- of- them was still hers.
Hours had passed and only a fraction of the day was gone. They had so much longer to remain here, bearing witness to suffering. //"Come on,"// Cae said softly, //"let’s take a break, find Sorle and Haeun."// Even in his own chest, the ache was relentless. But a brief respite might help them gather their strength.
Arm in arm, they walked through the temporary encampment, searching for the two who were dear to them. Instead of both, they only found Haeun. But before Cae could speak, his eye caught a glimpse of the medical tent. There, in a white coat, was their son, Sorle, tending to one of the younger refugees. Seeing him at work, so naturally in his element, momentarily stilled the ache. It was pride and pain in equal measure—he was doing what he was meant to do, but it meant he was lost to them for now.
"We won’t be pulling him away anytime soon," Cae admitted quietly, managing a small, sad smile. He turned his attention to Haeun, voice gentle despite the weight of the day’s horrors. "And you, young lady, how are you holding up?" Haeun did not answer immediately. She stood, shovel in hand, a figure worn down by more than just labor. Silent vesper whispers passed through her mind ~ echoes of old ties, old pains. Theirs. She shook her head, choosing action over words, and headed back toward the volunteer tent. Just as she left, she vespered to them, //"I’ll see you both later. Remember, you’re old and no one will blame you for resting."//
UNN Taela
It might have seemed quiet to the Star Army soldiers, their boots treading lightly among old corridors and darkened halls, but the survivors’ vespers were anything but silent. In hushed tones, mind to mind, they shared the news ~ saviors had come, arriving in force to deliver them from their living nightmare. Huddled within the museum ship, these survivors clung to each other, relief a warm thread stitching through their whispered thoughts. Pride stung at the edges of their gratitude, but survival won out.
In these moments of fragile hope, they could not know that Lorenz or Vespa had already found refuge in the Kosuke Sector, or that entire worlds had joined their cause. They remembered only the sudden brightness of flames, the choking clouds of ash, and the searing roar of fire devouring all they had known. For now, the knowledge of a broader future was beyond their grasp. Instead, they focused on the single truth that mattered: help had arrived, and with it, a lifeline through the darkness.
UNN Maeysi
Despite the grim outward appearance, and a not-much-brighter view from within ~ the second ship was faring better. While it might have seemed dismal at first glance, it carried a measure of resilience hidden in its depths. Within the damaged corridors, the keeper ~ Maeysi ~ still breathed life into the vessel. Energy diverted from unessential systems sustained the ASIEP life support, and the reactors, though strained, were kept from reaching critical meltdown. The Keg’sta Heat Devices worked overtime, channeling surplus plasma back into the dimension from which it had been drawn. By the time the teams from the YSS Wakaba reached engineering, they would find the scene caught in a tense stasis. There, the Chief Engineer lay slumped and unconscious at his station, while the ship’s avatar, a naked norian female with blue hair and glossy black eyes, toiled relentlessly at one of the consoles. Whale-like calls from the Leviathan’s core reverberated through the halls, a haunting chorus that mingled with the haze of smoke still lingering despite improved filtration. This was no simple task of rescue ~ the entire ecosystem of survivors and crew fought to maintain a fragile equilibrium.
As the Star Army soldiers guided the civilians toward waiting shuttles, it became clear the refugees were not alone in their struggle. UNN officers stood sentry in the ship’s deeper recesses, poised in positions where shards of normalcy still persisted. When the evacuations commenced, these officers joined in with practiced efficiency, assisting in leading the frightened and exhausted civilians along the safest routes.
Once the civilians were secured aboard the shuttles and carried away toward hope and medical care, the UNN soldiers returned to their tasks, unwilling to leave the Maeysi’s fate to chance. Even if the ship’s conditions had been far worse, they would have pressed on. Here, amidst the sparking consoles and half-lit corridors, was a collective resolve that refused to abandon the fight for survival.
UNN A'aenalin
Esari remained unmoving at the operations table, posture still and eyes focused. Around him, the gentle hum of ship systems and the distant chatter of Elyra managing communications formed a muted backdrop. He had been at this station for hours, closely monitoring the movements and statuses of the six cruisers under his command. Each ship, each maneuver, each subtle shift in their energy signatures was etched into his mind. They were doing what they could, where they could—small but meaningful gestures in the larger tapestry of events unfolding around them.
His gaze slid beyond his own vessels, drawn to the Star Army ships engaged in tireless work. The more he observed them, the more a subtle respect took root. These newcomers to the stage, strangers until mere hours ago, labored with a fervor that surpassed even Esari’s cautious expectations. They strained, perhaps even beyond what duty required, to bring order to chaos and relief to despair. There were trade tariffs and arrangements to be navigated ~ a stopgap for now ~ but as soon as he returned to Vespa, Esari knew he would push to properly acknowledge their contributions. A simple courtesy of fair trade would not be enough. These people deserved sincere gratitude, a gesture that went deeper than commerce.
His attention drifted again, this time to another cluster of unfamiliar ships entering the scene. Data scrolled across the displays at his fingertips as he began a subtle, careful scan. Each vessel’s outline, energy reading, and maneuvering pattern told a story. They weren’t Star Army, nor were they part of any faction he immediately recognized. Yet their actions suggested alignment, a willingness to aid or at least coexist peacefully amid the crisis. Curiosity flickered in Esari’s eyes as he focused the scanners, taking note of hull designs and tactical formations. Were these more friends they hadn’t known they had? He considered the possibilities, turning each scenario over in his mind.
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