RP JDTS Stiletto: Maiden Voyage!

[Gunhand4171]

Ready Room aboard the JDTS Stiletto...

Rear Admiral Armstrong sat alone in his ready room, taping a metal index finger on his desk. His ready room was ornate, much to the Rear Admiral dismay. The trinkets and things just took up space inside the already cramped ready room. It could have been used for much more practical reasons, not just taking care of damn dignitaries. However, Conrad knew his promotion would have some stipulations.

He sighed as the ship's AI Athena appeared on his desk. The AI took the form of an ancient warrior clad in white robes. She cleared her throat getting Conrad's attention. "Excuse me Rear Admiral, but they have finally arrived."

Conrad stood. "About bloody time..." He mumbled, as he grabbed his cap and pulled it over his head. Conrad moved and exited the ready room and made his way down to the main hangar where the new personnel were to meet.

The Stiletto and the other Specter class carriers were being constructed in secret at Area 52. Once the Stiletto was completed it was given a skeleton crew and was transferred to the orbital shipyards above Nepleslia Prime, which is where the ship was residing presently. The last of the equipment was being loaded and the crew was finally being brought aboard, much to the delight of the skeleton crew manning the new warship.

Armstrong hoped that Athena had sent the new crew with the correct meeting location. He did not want to stand around in the hangar like an idiot. As he entered the hangar, techs were loading the ships fighter compliment and the shuttles. He smiled, his ship was slowly starting to grow some teeth. As he continued to look around, several NSMC marines strood through checking on the equipment. They snapped quick saluted to Conrad as they walked. Conrad was glad to have received a Flotilment attached to the new Joint Datass Task Force.

Conrad tapped his comm device. "Athena... where are they?" He asked slightly annoyed.

"Sir they should be arriving any minute." Athena replied curtly.

"They had better..." He mumbled back.

 

[Legix]

Among the various crew that were to be coming aboard a new ship, one specifically seemed somewhat out of his element. The shuttle carrying him and some other grunt-like members of the newly commissioned JDTS Stiletto had landed. As a few of them piled out, mostly marines of the Flotilment no doubt on their way to regroup and prepare for the new assignment, he came out last. His steps were light, his smaller and almost feminine-framed body making him stand-out considerably from the foot-soldiers that came out before him. Both of his hands were bare, his metallic replacements cleaned with care as he moved a hand brush along the top of his cybernetic ear. His brown eyes blinked in a unison that hid the nature of the replacement one as he studied the series of action, carrying his essentials in a dufflebag strapped onto his back. The uniform of the Nepleslian Navy certainly helped him pull off an androgynous or even pretty boy look, but the truth was that he had earned his initial marks as a fighter pilot before a crash had encouraged him into seeking out a new path. And that path, as a diplomat, had ended up getting him assigned as part of a special group of negotiators and the like that were important for such a voyage as one utilizing the JDTF's name and intent. It had required, however, a re-training and investment into the communications field as a linguist and operating the same tech he had grown used to from flying but on the larger vessels.

Not but mere moments after he had finished taking in the scenery, however, he finally spotted the man that would be in charge of it all. And that alone was enough for him to quickly compose himself and make his way over to the much older officer. The young man had finished the approach short of a few feet to ensure he wasn't terribly too close to the superior, smiling and giving the old geezer a quick and snappy attempt to show off his dedication in the form of a Nepleslian salute. Naive as he was, of course, it was clear Jasper had little to no sense of duty to go through the proper chain of command such as trying to even fidn out if there was a superior he reported to before the Rear Admiral.

"Ensign Jasper Durango, sir! It's an honor to meet you! And to finally be back in proper service, too, what with my crash having kept me out while I got used to my... um... hands!"

 

[Samanthia]

Another shuttle landed farther down in the vast hanger bay. Just one of many shuttles arriving and departing. As the shuttle landed and the big cargo hatch fell to the floor with a clang. Instead of the rush of troop rushing off under the yell of a squad leader hot on their heels. A lone Nekovalkyrja exited the shuttle. She turned her attention inward, gave a smile and a wave to whom was inside. A duffel bag flew from the open hatch and landed with a thump onto the deck at the foot of the ramp to the shuttle.

Aikiko rolled her eyes and walked gracefully down the ramp and stepped off it. Behind her came a cargo crate floating on anti-gravs, following her like a puppy. She picked up her duffle bag, sling both straps over one of her shoulder as she walked gracefully through busy hanger bay of personnel arriving. The shuttle behind her closed the ramp/hatch and departed the Stiletto to head back to wherever it came from.

She could feel the eyes upon her as she moved towards the area where everyone seamed to be assembling before being rushed off deeper into the ship.

 

[Acewing13]

Standing to one side of the hangar, was a tall Chief Petty Officer, his recent rise to that lofty rank evident by the untarnished gleam of his rank pins. What set him apart from the other sailors running around on the deck were his acid yellow sunglasses, that he wore despite the artificial lighting; his cybernetic left eye, which was only evident by the red telltale that was visible through his glasses; and his nameplate, which read ‘Henderson.’

While everyone else was busy preparing for the ship’s departure, Matt was leaning against the bulkhead, holding his DataJockey in hand as he accessed the ship’s network. Well, looks like someone hasn't changed the factory security settings, the Systems Officer thought, shaking his head slightly as he dove past the firewalls that were supposed to keep him out. I mean, technically, I don’t have to get in this way, being the guy in charge of it. But it’s always good to know what vulnerabilities are in a system. Points you at the worst issues. Like people thinking that AetherspermRulez! is a secure password. He rolled his eyes. At least put some numbers in there.

Looking up from his datapad, he raised an eyebrow at the Cat walking around like she owned the place. Yay…can’t wait to see what she’s up to. Or what she’s carting around. Focusing his attention back on his work, Matt noticed the time. Ah, dang it. Where’s the ready room on this thing? He looked whimsically at the Marines, before he straightened his uniform and headed to the ready room. On the way, the CPO took his sunglasses off and hung them from his chest pocket. Never know how the CO feels about these things, so best give a good impression.

Coming into the ready room, the Systems Officer stepped to the side, and raised his hand in a salute to the Admiral. “Chief Petty Officer Matthew Henderson, reporting for duty, sir!” That sounds sooo pretentious.

 

[Gunsight1]

Captain Oreza Dakkar hated being late. Not that it was in his control, this time. But he hated it none the less. His reassignment from his former posting, as commanding officer of the small destroyer Ajax had come very late from command and it had taken some time to re-position the old girl from it's current place in the outer system patrol, to the Neplselia Prime orbital shipyard. He had been ion command of the small, under armed, overworked little destroyer for just over a year now, his first assignment since returning to active duty in the navy, and while she was undoubtedly less impressive and capable a posting than his previous heavy cruiser command years earlier, the little brick of a ship had grown on him. It was like when he had taken his first command, as a newly promoted commander, years past. The excitement, the pride in his ship and his crew, had all been the same. Now he'd had to say goodbye to both, very quickly, moving on to something new. This was how things were in the military sometimes.

Ajax was in the past now. The Stiletto was the future. A carrier. She was a full fledged advanced stealth carrier. This was no posting for an old washed up officer in poor standings with the admiralty. He wondered who he had pleased, or who had pilled strings, or maybe his year aboard Ajax had proved he still had what it took to be competitive with the younger, more energetic captain's that seemed to be filling the command core these days. Either way, he was not going to complain.

Oreza Dakkar was an impressive and imposing figure as he boarded the JDTS Stiletto. At four inches over six feet in height and built like a battleship, he easily projected a sense of power, both of physical strength and will. His raven black hair was cut neatly and combed back, his swarthy, weatherbeaten face adorned by a thick black beard. Both hair and beard were streaked with white, especially at his temples and where the slashes of burn scars splashed across his face and crossed under the thick facial hair. He was clad in the crisply pressed blue uniform coat and peaked cap of the Nepleslian navy's officer corps. His rank insignia were those of a full captain. He puffed away at a calabash pipe as he strode through the ship. Everything about his appearance hearkened back to the sea captains of old and projected the sense that this man was a captain.

His deep blue eyes looked out from under bushy black eyebrows as he stepped into the wardroom, glancing about, taking in the sight of those who had come in before him. An interesting collection already, he could see.... Even, a Nekovalkyrja? One of them aboard a Nepleslian warship was unheard of!

As with all officers, his eyes immediately picked out the flag officer, a Rear Admiral. He walked over to the senior officer, taking his pipe out from between his lips with his artificial left hand and getting it out of the way as he drew himself to attention before the Admiral, bringing his right hand up to his temple in a salute.

"Captain Oreza Dakkar" His deep voice boomed, "Reporting for duty"

 

[Gunhand4171]

The Rear Admiral saluted the assembled. "Welcome aboard the Stiletto." Conrad started. "You all have been hand picked by me personally to serve aboard the flagship of the Joint Datass Taskforce." As he spoke he began to pace. "The Joint Datass Taskforce has been formed to protect it's members from all threats, both foreign and domestic. As this taskforce is still new, we are rank heavy some areas and light in others. But we must make this work."

"As for who I am, I am Rear Admiral Conrad Armstrong and I am the one leading this taskforce. I have served through multiple campaigns and blah blah blah." Conrad rolled his hand. "None of that shit matters. Same goes for you. I don't care who you were before this. What I care about is now. As long as you follow orders and give me your all, we will get along just fine." He said smiling. "

Now I believe this ship has been in drydock for far too long. This big thing was not meant to sit and look pretty. We have a job to do and the sooner we get to it the better. Your personal effects have been placed in your berths. Before we get the ship underway, go stow your things. We will be getting underway at 1100 hours shipboard time. I need you all on the bridge by 1000 hours. That will give you 1an hour and a half to go find you berths and unpack. Dismissed." He said saluting them. "If you have questions feel free to ask me." He said dropping the salute and allowing them all to go free.

 

[Samanthia]

Aikiko kept her expression neutral as she felt eyes upon her from various other crew. She stood up and gave Admiral a bow of respect, then departed the briefing room to go find her quarters. She put a bit more sway to her hips to give these Nepleslian something to really stare at as she exited the room to get settled.

Several minutes later, Aikiko had found her assigned quarters and her stuff unceremoniously dumped in the center of the room. Not that she had much to begin with. She took her time in hanging up her uniforms and unpacking in general, leaving her cargo crate untouched for the moment. Except to move it near one of empty spots near the cabin's bulkhead and secure it in place.

 

[Acewing13]

As the Admiral talked, Matt looked sidelong at the group, paying special attention to the almost ID-SOL sized fellow that he thought was the XO, the thin person that he thought was a guy, and the Nekovalkyrja. Good to know that these people were picked by the boss, otherwise I might be concerned. The CPO had heard good things about Conrad Armstrong, so he kept his concerns about the Neko to himself, though he did allow himself an eye roll when she sauntered out of the room. Cats.

Heading to his cabin, Matt brought out his Datajockey and logged in, legitimately, to the ship’s systems. Bye bye, factory settings, he thought as he brought up the firewall password. Once I get questions about it, I’ll know who to hold responsible for that stupid password.

Opening the door, he sighed at the sight of his duffel bag. I really need to get over this stupid paranoia, he thought as he threw his stuff on the bed and started unloading clothes out of it, but I’ll worry about that later.

 

[Legix]

With everyone seemingly breaking off and heading about their own business, Jasper was left standing a bit out of his element. The Neko-gal had been certainly unexpected, but among such a small group the diplomacy and communications officer felt as if the only one not properly representing Nepleslia properly was him. As such, by the time the duo had left him with the Captain and the Admiral was around the time he was looking quite awkward. Getting picked for his skills was more likely than his personality, Ensign Durango knew that, but it certainly didn't save his nerves much.

"I-I... uh... right, sir. I should get going too!"

Taking hold of his bag's strap, he'd give his passing and farewell salute before taking off. Of all the small group that had presented themselves, he was at least the one most sure of where to go after spending plenty of time getting to understand his new orders. Rushing through the halls had earned the male some strange looks, but by the time he was in his cabin and throwing his bag down. Unlike the others, he had no need to get in-tuned with the ship's systems yet. Rather, his priority was getting his extra clothing and personal belongings squared away. Data-slides on the various factions and space-faring nations were among the most precious, as they would be useful tools for the fledgling diplomat to study and use when away from the ship such as in the field. Overall, the Ensign had very little things of important note...

 

[Gunsight1]

One of the nice things about being a full four stripe captain was not having to find onesquarters and deliver ones own baggage there. A crewman had taken his things, leaving Oreza free to do as he wished.

Oreza obsurved the crew as they broke up and went off to find their cabins and settle in. This would be an interesting lot, he thought to himself and turned to the Admiral.

"Admiral, any additional details or commands before I go to the bridge to prepare the ship for departure?" he asked.

 

[Gunhand4171]

JDTS Stiletto: Ward Room

Admiral Armstrong watched as his crew dispersed and went about stowing their gear. The only one to stay, as Conrad expected, was Orezea. As the XO walked up to Conrad, he smiled.

"Captain Dakkar, why don't you take a walk with me." Conrad said, turning to start walking towards the bridge. "The Joint DATASS Taskforce has been given jurisdiction to set up a base operation inside the Porpoise system. We have also been given several ships. 3 Jiyuuian-made Ayana-class Escort vessels: the Kaguya, the Taketori, and the Nayotake, as well as 2 Nepleslian Sword-class Frigates reassigned from the local garrison at Porpoise. In addition we have a contingent of support element containing 2 Endurance-class transports, a Nir-class colony ship, and a Hikari-class mining ship."

He turned and looked back over his shoulder. "Still, it isn't much of a task force. We will have to do most of the growth ourselves. This is why I need your help Captain. As my XO, you are also second in command of the JDT." He said stopping and looking at his XO. "I choose you as my XO, because I know you have what it takes to get the job done." Then Conrad smirked. "Plus I believe that you and I are a lot alike. For one, command doesn't like us very much." He turned and continued to walk, they were nearly reaching the bridge now. "As this is the first time that the Stiletto is leaving the dock with her Ayana class Escorts, we will be doing a shake down run on our way to Porpoise, do some fleet maneuvers, run some drills etc..." He said as they reached the bridge.

The Guards at the door saluted the pair as the entered the bridge, and announced their presence. "Admiral on deck!" The guard bellowed and the entire bridge crew snapped to attention.

Conrad returned the salutes. "At ease!" He called as they walked onto the bridge. "Captain, please ready the ship for departure. I will check on our escorts and clear our departure with the Harbormaster." He said moving to his ready room, the door to which was at the rear of the Bridge. "Comms, please inform the crew of departure. XO you have the deck." he said as he disappeared behind the door to his ready room.

The Comms officer nodded. "Aye aye." She opened the comms across the ship and began to speak. "All hand, we are preparing to get underway, all personnel are to report to their assigned duty stations. Repeat, all hands..."

 

[Samanthia]

Aikiko Quarters

Aikiko heard the announcement that the ship was getting under way. She did one last check of her stowed gear and then left the quarters. It felt weird as things were shaping up. So far she had quarters to herself. She moved through the ship with practiced ease. Unsure at the moment of where her assigned duties were. But at least she was making her move into to be known amongst the Nepleslian crew, not hiding away in her quarters.

Ship's Lounge

She moved to the ship's lounge so she could respond in any direction she was required to go. At least she did have access to some refreshments while she waited for her assignment. She knew it was most likely to be something interesting due to her unique skill set. She'd leave the heavy fighting to the Nepleslians even though she was trained as Infantry and been keeping abreast of the latest explosive ordinances to disarm them if needed. Now she had access to Neppy Ordinance, which brought a soft smile to her lips and a gleam to her eyes as she settled at a computer console and began accessing the information.

Aikiko sipped on her drink as she studied schematics after schematics in pursuit of increasing her knowledge base on making and disabling explosive devices. She studied more in-depth of rogue bomber's bombs from police files to get the feel of them.

She shook her head at the way they left some 'signature' to the simple bombs they made. If they just left out the signature part. The bomb could pass for any-ones making harder for the police to trace them back to the maker. She moved through them files quickly to the more sophisticated bombs which had bigger yields to either kill or maim large number of people.

 

[Acewing13]

JDTS Stiletto, Cabin

Ahh, Matt thought as he walked into his assigned cabin, nothing like metal walls and the smell of old gym socks to remind you of home. Though, I seem to have the room to myself for now. Going to the middle of the room to pick his duffel bag off the floor, he threw it on the bottom bunk and started taking his few possessions out and putting them in the provided drawers. I better take the top bunk in case that changes, he thought, placing his empty bag on the desired bunk as an impromptu flag. If someone moves it, well, he thought, his hand moving unconsciously to the knife on his belt, I’ll have to make sure to only maim them. Upon hearing the ship announcement, the CPO put his sunglasses back on and started towards the bridge, holding his DataJockey in his left hand and his right hovering near his HHG and knife.

JDTS Stiletto, Bridge

Nodding to the guards that stood on either side of the entrance, the Systems Officer walked as casually into the bridge as he could, giving a small salute to the XO as he walked to his console.

 

[Legix]

JDTS Stiletto: Bridge

It hadn't taken long for Jasper to get his things squared away, but once the man had prepared his cabin and set off it was a smooth sail to the bridge. The guards had let him in with a good deal of scrutiny, but the Ensign's place aboard the bridge as he moved to almost rigidly salute the XO and take up his own spot at a comm-console. Handling outgoing communication attempts and the like were part of his job, but being on the deck with the ability to translate and double-check their translation device was a crucial skill he had aptly in his pocket. Once he was seated and properly adjusted to the seated spot, he gave a small confirmation that he was ready and in-place. Jasper hadn't even dared to make note of his tardiness in comparison to others, not even seeming to register that he had been the last one to arrive aboard the Stiletto's bridge.

 

[Gunhand4171]

JDTS Stiletto: Ready Room

Admiral Armstrong contacted the other captains of his little fleet and received their status reports of his three escort vessels. All reported that they were ready and were on their way to the rendezvous point. Conrad nodded and closed the link. He looked down at his watch just as Athena popped up on his desk.

"Sir, the ship is ready for departure.. We are awaiting your orders. Also, the XO has received new orders from on high, he regretfully informs you that he must take his leave immediately." Athena said before disappearing.

"Damn...poor man." Conrad mumbled as he opened the door to the bridge.

JDTS Stiletto: Bridge

"Admiral on deck!" the guard to the ready room called.

Conrad waved him off as he moved and sat at the command chair in the center of the room. He tapped a few buttons on his command console and a shrill town sounded, letting everyone know the CO was about to speak."It is time to get underway, and begin a new chapter in history ladies and gentlemen." He said. "We have been tasked with the defense of our member nations, and we will not fail them. We might come from different backgrounds, but we are here as one now. As one team to stand against those who would like to see our nations burn. We will not let it happen. All hands prepare to get underway." He said cutting the link.

He looked over to the bridge crew. "Helm detach mooring clamps, and take us out.

"Aye sir." The Helmsman said. As he did, the ship broke free from the clamps and began to drift, until the massive engines of the Stiletto fired to life and slowly brought the ship out of the dock.

"Chief, link us to our escorts' tactical feeds." Conrad said looking to Henderson. He then looked to Jasper. "Ensign, please inform Nepleslia Prime command that we are leaving orbit." Conrad then open a new comm channel to his Spec ops crew. "Master Chief Aikiko, have you're men suited up in full battle rattle. I want them ready for anything, be it drills or an actual emergency." He said before closing the link again.

The black vessel slowly glided from the dock, as majestic as could be...

 

[Samanthia]

JDTS Stiletto : Lounge

Aikiko blinked at the announcement and then hurriedly access the ship's databanks. Sure enough, she was in charge of a team of commandoes. She access the roster to see who was all on it and sent out notification to meet up in the ship's lounge where she was currently at. Once that was done, she accessed equipment and weapons assigned to the team and where it was stored. She made funny faces as she went back to the team roster to see what she was dealing with. It was majority Nepleslian and her the only Yamataian Neko on the team and she was in charge of these troops. She just hoped that these guys were professional enough accept her command authority.

She watched the them arrive one at a time or in pairs till they was all assembled and talking amongst themselves with a few more human began to hit on her for a future date.

She climbed up on the table, drawing all eyes upon her. "I am Master Chief Akiashiro, Aikiko. I was just informed that I would be leading you guys for special operations outside the ship." She spoke loudly interrupting conversation bringing them to an end while they listened to her. "My skills lay in area of explosives. Making them and disarming them. Also I know infantry tactics when I was in the Star Army, before being assigned to this ship at the digression of Higher Ups. The fate of all soldiers."

She got a few chuckles out of the more braver ones. She resumed, "I don't know you, but that will change as we do get know each other during our tour of duty together. You all been chosen for this assignment for your skills in making this unit one of the best. Those that live will get better and become a more cohesive unit."

She looked over the assembled troops. Some giving her the evil eye. Others more thoughtful. Some with outright lust showing where their minds were currently at. "Next few days, we'll be working out the teams for maximum performance and cohesion. So now is the time form up to get your teams together." Then she smiled at them with an evil grin. "And I'll tear them apart to get the teams more balanced."

The eruptions of groans and the shuffling of troops to form up into teams as she hopped to the floor and moved back to the computer console to go over the skill sets of the assembled troops.

 

[Acewing13]

JDTS Stiletto: Bridge

Turning to salute the Admiral when he walked in, the Systems Officer tried his best to not look like a Marine in the wrong ship section. Probably didn’t succeed, but oh well. It should come with daily repetition.

Well, Matthew thought a few moments later as the Stiletto left the dock, its nice to be back in space. Still feels weird to be a sailor instead of a Marine though. And don’t even mention being on the bridge instead of the Marine barracks. He snorted, then got to work, trawling the ship’s systems and closing any vulnerabilities he found. Except for those that are supposed to be there. Captain override is a thing after all.

 

[Legix]

JDTS Stiletto: Bridge

Jasper had given a nod during the series of orders handed out, keying in and contacting the Prime Command with some decent speed. While his original profession had seen the less-than-manly male flying ships, it wasn't a terrible jump in terms of operating a console versus flying one of their shuttles and fighters.

"Prime Command, this is the JDTS Stiletto, exiting orbit now..."

The quick relay of a confirmation was all it took to know the message went through, Jasper raising his eyes to observe one of the tactical displays as they lurched away. At least, unlike the uncomfortable Marine who was busy imitating a pig, the Ensign felt well-enough at home. In space, the Nepleslian could prove his worth beyond just physical fitness in the ability to operate and perform his job, after all!

"Easy going... keeping comms until we're out of range and ready to slip away."

 

[Gunhand4171]

JDTS Stiletto: Bridge

The ship slowly pulled out of the dock and two small tugs moved to escort the ship out. After several minutes, they were clear of the docks and the tugs pulled off. "Good luck Stiletto!" one of the tug operators said to Jasper at the comm station.

"Sir we are clear of the docks." The sensors operator reported.

"Good, good. Helm, move us into FTL and take us to the rendezvous point." The Rear Admiral ordered.

"Aye aye sir." The Helmsman said as he activated the FTL systems. A few seconds later the ship exited FTL and entered a literal hell storm.

As the ship exited FTL a fight was ensuing between the JDT escort ships and several unidentified vessels. The admiral stood as the sensor operator began yelling. "Sir! Multiple unidentified vessels are engaged with our escorts. From scans it would appear that the JDTS Kaguya has taken heavy damage, and have been boarded! The other two vessels are currently trying to defend her."

"Damn..." Conrad muttered. "Alright... Comms! Get in contact with the other captains and get a status report. Systems, initiate the electronic warfare suite and see what you can do to turn the tide." He said before ordering tactical station to begin opening fire among other things. Finally he opened a coom link to Aikiko. "Master Chief, are you seeing this?" He asked linking their current sensor data to her. "The JDTS Kaguya has been boarded. Get your teams together, load up and get them on a shuttle to the Kaguya. Help the crew repel the boarders. Am I clear?" He asked.

It was chaos as the Stiletto entered into its very first battle...

 

[Legix]

JDTS Stiletto: Bridge

Dropping into a battle had almost caught Jasper off-guard, but the Nepleslian male gave a quick nod at the order. Keying in, the Ensign had already forgot the offering of good luck to the task force battle-group. If they had luck at this point, it'd have to come forth and help them settle these unidentified foes away quickly and cleanly enough to secure and assist the Kaguya. Communications opened, however, as hails were met immediately from the assisting bridges. The only one that would be slow was likely the boarded vessel, but Jasper was waiting for all of them to clear through in time before pushing the button that patched them through to the bridge entirely.

"Aye, sir... we have confirmed presence from the other escorts... the Kaguya is coming through now!"

With all of them patched in, the somewhat effeminate ex-pilot had finally brought the comm-lines up onto the main display of the bridge. Video and audio were clear for the escorts to the Stiletto, each thumbing in and no doubt appearing on the monitor for Conrad's viewing pleasure. The commander of the newly launched ship and group was focused on by their own equipment, allowing uninterrupted speech between both Conrad and the others.

"All lines solid. Good to go, sir!"