March 19th, 2521 (UEG Calendar) - March 19th, 3000 (Star League Calendar)
United Nation Space Command Navy, Halberd-class destroyer, UNSC Pioneer
Edge of UEG territory during ISEKAI event
Alarms blared in the bridge, sending the crew into action as the UNSC Pioneer's sensors detected something strange, and communications received an update from UNSC satellites near the territory's border.
"Captain on deck!" someone announced as Captain Sturgeon entered the bridge of the Pioneer.
"What do we have here, Erickson?" the commanding officer asked as he walked up to his executive officer.
"Skipper, three hours ago survey probes reported strange space-time distortions along the border of our territory. This information was immediately sent to FLEETCOM via the experimental FTL communication module installed on the warship. About fifteen minutes ago, they informed us that this was occurring around the entirety of UEG territory." Erickson paused for a few seconds as he tried to process the information that he had received. "As we waited for a response, the stars beyond UEG territory changed, and we detected some strange signals in a nearby star system."
"Skipper, we have received new orders from FLEETCOM," said Lieutenant Clements at the communications station. Both officers walked up to the man's station and read the new orders. "They want us to investigate that nearby star system to find out what is causing the strange signals, sir."
Sturgeon was quiet for a few seconds as he contemplated these new orders. "Very well," he said finally, "contact UNSC Midsummer Night and Chioglossa and have them link up with us. Put them in a screening formation while we remain in the center."
"Yes, sir," the young officer replied, "transmitting orders to the frigates." Clements typed on the interface, sending the orders to the two other UNSC vessels in the area. "ETA: three minutes, sir."
"Good," Sturgeon said and began walking away from the sensor station. "Leif, what would our ETA be for that system?"
"Captain, that system is approximately seventy-five light-years from us, so our ETA is a month," Leif answered, appearing on a 3D holographic table. The AI was dressed as an ancient Viking explorer from Earth.
Sturgeon looked over the information displayed before him for several minutes, trying to derive any more information from the limited data they had. Though he doubted he could find anything that their AI hadn't.
"Captain, the Midsummer Night and Chioglossa have arrived and are assuming a picket formation," Biggs reported.
Sturgeon nodded in approval. "Good. NAV, set a course to the edge of that system and make sure to follow our SOP (standard operating procedures)." Sturgeon ordered. "And when we're in position, begin spinning up the drive."
"Plotting course, sir," Lieutenant Townley at the navigation station replied, and she began typing on the interface, inputting the necessary information and having Leif assist in the more complex calculations. After the ship reached their position, alarms began to sound throughout the ship as the Slipspace drive began to power up. "Initiating Slipspace jump."
The space in front of the three UNSC vessels began to distort, then suddenly ripped itself apart, turning into a gaping maw of swirling energy that emitted exotic radiation as the ships moved toward the rift. As the three human vessels were engulfed by the energy, space suddenly returned to normal. The vessels under the command of Commander Sturgeon had initiated a successful jump.
April 18th, 2521 (UEG Calendar) - April 18th, 3000 (Star League Calendar)
Unknown Star System
Interstellar Void in Unknown System
"Skipper, we're about fifteen mikes out from our estimated Slipspace drop point in the system," Townley, the navigation officer, said.
"Good. As soon as we exit Slipspace, I want an active scan of the system. Have Midsummer Night and Chioglossa perform a passive scan to see if there are any responses to us." Sturgeon wanted to play it safe but didn't want to seem too cautious. The passive sensors would allow them to observe any responses if these mysterious signals were hostile, while keeping their true numbers hidden. As the minutes passed, the crew on the three UNSC vessels prepared themselves for exiting Slipspace. The ship rumbled when it exited, dropping the vessels somewhere in the outer regions of the star system.
"Sensors going active," Biggs reported as he rapidly typed on the interface computer linked to the ship's powerful sensors, which started scanning the entire system.
Sturgeon began to review the information as it was fed to him through the sensors and Leif. From what he could tell, most of the information about the system was rather benign. Planetary data being displayed showed atmospheric composition, geological composition, planetary size, surface area, etc. The star appeared to be a Sol-system-style G-class star with seven planets and several moderate-sized asteroid fields. Some of them showed decent mineral deposits. Most planets were either rocky or gaseous, but there were two planets for potential colonization in the future. One was a near-Earth-like planet in the Goldilocks Zone, while the other was more akin to a Mars-like planet.
"Skipper, you need to see this," Erickson said, as he looked over the information that Biggs was displaying on his screen.
"What am I looking at?" Sturgeon asked as he stared at the readings of sensor data on a holographic table.
"Captain, sensors are detecting several artificial signatures from the Earth-like planet and another at the far edge of the star system," Leif reported. "According to sensors, these signatures are consistent with some kind of starship thruster."
"Are you sure, Leif?" Sturgeon asked.
The AI raised a hand, and a percentage was displayed alongside sensor data on the monitor. "Fairly sure. There is around a 93% chance that these are the plumes from starship drives."
"Could this be some sort of lost or illegal colony?" Erickson asked.
Sturgeon shook his head. "Under normal circumstances, I would agree with those assessments, but with the strange occurrences along our borders, we have to be open to other possibilities." He was silent for several seconds, contemplating what to do next.
"Well, despite these circumstances, we are facing a First Contact situation," Sturgeon said finally. This statement caused the bridge crew to fall silent.
"NAV, plot a course to bring us closer to that habitable planet. I want us to stop ten thousand kilometers away to initiate contact with those artificial signatures," Sturgeon ordered. "COMM, the Midsummer and Chioglossa are to use passive sensors only and to maintain maximum recommended combat distance and be on standby in case things go hot."
"Midsummer and Chioglossa acknowledge your orders and are maneuvering to maintain assigned distance," Clements reported.
"Course plotted, sir," Townley reported. "Moving toward the second planet in the system. ETA is one hour at cruising speed." The ship began to accelerate as its fusion engines blazed with power, propelling the ships forward.
"As we move closer, I want our sensors to continue their active scans to find out more about those signatures on the planet, pronto," Sturgeon ordered.
"Yes, sir. Continuing active scan," Biggs answered, typing commands on his computer. As the ship moved closer to the planet, new data rolled in, causing Leif to startle in surprise, alarming Captain Sturgeon.
"Report, Leif!" Sturgeon barked.
"Captain, according to sensor data, there are approximately four artificial signatures. One's egg-shaped, and what I can only assume to be a ship is in orbit, while another two are aerodyne-shaped, with one in orbit and the other on the surface. Judging by the design of these ships, they aren't ours, but the most perplexing thing to me is that the language these transmissions are in is English," Leif answered in a confused tone.
"What? English? This far out? That can't be possible. I'm pretty sure we haven't expanded further than Ragu, and they only have several thousand colonists."
"Correct, Captain," Leif answered as she brought up the relevant information. "Ragu was settled six years ago in the STR-901B star system, located two dozen light-years away from Harvest."
"I doubt this is an Insurrectionist colony," Erickson said as he looked over the information.
"I agree. ONI has them operating mainly in the Inner Colonies, with a few smaller operations in Outer Colonies. They find it unlikely they would set up a colony beyond our borders due to their aging ships and other factors," Sturgeon added.
"Sir, we have incoming communication on all bands originating from the planet," Clements reported.
"Route it through the bridge PA," Commander Sturgeon ordered, and the communication officer gave an affirmative, typing rapidly away at their station.
Static noise was heard throughout the bridge, then it cleared up. "Mayday! Mayday! This is Governor Dionne Barlowe of the planet Dumassas. We are under attack by pirates! Can anyone respond? We need help!"
The bridge crew was shocked at this clear English broadcast. "Damn!" one of the bridge crew muttered, and Sturgeon didn't fault him for this.
"Orders, sir?" Leif asked in a hesitant tone as Sturgeon thought about this.
Sturgeon nodded to himself before finally speaking. "We may not know what this is about, but we cannot allow this to happen when we could do something to stop it,"
Sturgeon replied. "We'll learn the details later. Right now, I want all ships at General Quarters. Switch off the safety on the MAC and prepare Archer pods and PDGs. NAV, I want full power to the engines." He turned to the communication officer. "Contact the Midsummer Night and Chioglossa and tell them to go active and take escort positions. We are moving in to engage the attacking ship!"
"Yes, sir! Full power to engines," Townley replied, typing away on his computer. On his monitor, indications of the reactor's increase in output were showing as the ship's fusion engines glowed harder, causing the ships to increase in speed. "Engines are at full speed, sir. ETA to intercept is four mikes!"
Alarms began to sound, and lights were beginning to flash throughout the ship, jolting crew members into action and moving to their assigned stations.
"Good!" Sturgeon said as he looked at the tactical display. "This ship will be designated Tango-1."
The ship commander highlighted the egg-shaped vessel in orbit. "We'll fire a single light MAC round at low charge with a volley of Archers to disable the ship and allow us to capture it." He looked up at Leif. "Tell our Marines and ODSTs to prepare for boarding action and ground insertion on the planet."
"Yes, sir!" The AI was silent for a couple of seconds before speaking again. "Marine Commanders have been notified, they are preparing their men for landfall and boarding. Major Jenkins will be leading his ODSTs for the boarding action."
"Good!" Sturgeon replied. He knew Major Jenkins' reputation, and how eager the officer had been for action. Well, now was the man's chance to show if he was as good as he claimed to be.
"Sir, I think it would be a good idea to send a preliminary report of our findings to FLEETCOM before we engage," Erickson quietly recommended. "We don't know what their capabilities are, and if the worst happens, the rest of the UNSC will need to know."
Sturgeon nodded in agreement. "Good idea." He turned toward Leif. "You heard the Lieutenant Commander. I want this done."
"Consider it done, Commander. All information has been compressed and is en route to Reach in 10 seconds," Leif confirmed.
April 18th, 3000 AD (Star League Calendar) - April 18th, 2521 (UEG Calendar)
Dumassas System
Orbit of Dumassas IV
Bloody Punishers Union-class Dropship Blood Iron Price
"Cap'n, raidin' parties have reported that they have successfully defeated Dumassas' militia force, allowing us to raid their stores of grub, weapons, and goods!" Perry reported from the communication station.
The captain, wearing the classic tricorn hat and a fake pigeon on his shoulder, smirked coldly. "Jolly good, keep it to the sky. Soon, we'll enjoy the booty at Tortuga dominion after this here!" Captain Jakobs said in an evil tone.
"What the hell is this here?" Tyde, the ship's sensor operator, muttered to himself. "Sensors are banging to the sky or something, as it's reporting three ships are on their way to us." There was a pause of several seconds before he spoke again, this time with fear in his voice. "They read multi-million in tonnage!"
Captain Jakobs's blood ran cold at this new information. Warships?! He thought in panic. "Be more clear, you stupid shite! How many tonnes per ship?"
"The leading ship is only 485 meters long with an estimated 1.8 million metric tons! The two slightly smaller ships are 478 meters long at 930 thousand metric tons each," Tyde announced from the sensor station. "Based on what sensors are telling me, those ships are warships! Sensors have detected large power readings from the bow... Perhaps they have large magnetic-type spinal cannons. Also, readings of many large missile pods. There are smaller magnetic-like guns dotted along the ship's hull."
"Well, damn to the depths. We can't fight those warships at all! Our dropships are old, with patchworked armor plates, and half of their total armament is working." Captain Jakobs cursed. "We must set sail as fast as possible! Call our fellow raiders on the ground and tell them to set sail immediately!"
Tyde worked at his station for several seconds, sending the commands from his captain to the forces on the surface. "The commander of the raiding force has acknowledged your order, captain. They'll set sail on dropships on the ground in a few minutes and then set sail in the system," Perry answered from his comm station.
"What the hell?!" Tyde at the sensor station screamed in a hysterical tone as Captain Jakobs started his hysterical shouting.
"Avast your wailing! What are you seeing?" Captain Jakobs bellowed at a shaking Tydes.
"Cap'n, they just sped to the sky at daft speeds that I thought were impossible," Tyde exclaimed, trying to control the panic in his voice and utterly failing. "They are moving at a speed beyond our sensors! They'll be on us in four minutes!"
"What?! We don't even have time to be gone, you filthy dog!" Captain Jakob shouted in panic. He thought for a moment, trying to regain his calm. He was a ship captain, and they are supposed to be calm. After a few more moments, he managed to regain control. "No choice then, we will have to fight!" He turned toward the navigator. "Move us to cover our three dropships on the surface to buy time for them to set sail!"
"Cap'n, these ships have stopped! Range is 10,000 kilometers away," Tyde said in a scared but also puzzled tone. "Energy buildup detected! Origin is at that leading ship's bow!"
"Evasive!" Captain Jakobs screamed, but it was too late. A solid slug of tungsten and titanium fired from the leading ship traversed across the distance in a matter of seconds, slamming into the Blood Iron Price and causing the ship's armor to buckle at the impact site and shake violently. The vibrations from the impact caused power fluctuations throughout the ship, causing secondary damage and the engines to shut down as the crew was thrown around like ragdolls from the kinetic energy generated by one of the most powerful weapons made by the UNSC.
The leading ship would follow up their attack with a barrage of a dozen missiles on the Price, peppering the dropship's length, causing more damage to the vessel and ensuring that it would not be able to escape under its own power. After the barrage ended, the lead vessel, later identified as the UNSC Pioneer, launched multiple shuttles, all of them on an intercept course with the Price.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 18th, 2521 (UEG Calendar) - April 18th, 3000 (Star League Calendar)
Unknown Star System
Orbit of Dumassas IV
UNSC Pioneer
Sturgeon watched as the boarding shuttles loaded with ODSTs were launched from the Pioneer and began their approach to the disabled ship. "Leif, what can you tell me about our newest potential prize?" he asked.
The AI began to display information on their recent engagement. "Based on preliminary information, our MAC round impacted what is assessed to be in the vicinity of the engine compartment. From the sensor readings, it is essentially dead in the water. Our missile barrage also appears to have hit the designated targets on the ship that we theorized to be weapons placements."
"Lieutenant Williams at the weapons station did note that our MAC round did not penetrate the vessel's armor, but it is unknown if this is because of the low-power shots we used, the strength of their armor, or a combination of the two as the cause," Leif explained.
"ONI would have a field day if they manage to get their hands on that ship," Erickson said. "Even if it's because of our low-yield shot, the fact that it withstood our MAC gun shows that their armor is impressive."
"On that, I agree with you," Sturgeon said, looking over the tactical display.
"Sir, I think that we're potentially dealing with a new human faction," Leif added in a respectful tone, breaking both officers away from the display.
Both officers were silent before Erickson spoke. "You may be right, Leif. If that's the case, then we need more information. I think we'll need as many prisoners from that ship."
"I agree," Sturgeon said. He turned to face Leif. "Tell Major Jenkins that he is to detain as many people as he can on that ship. Those in the engine and bridge compartments are a priority. We'll maintain overwatch while the Midsummer and Chioglossa take positions to watch over the three ships on the ground. They are to prepare their forces to land on the planet and offer assistance."
"Orders sent and acknowledged, Commander. Midsummer Night and Chioglossa are moving into planetary overwatch. Marines are being prepared and will begin landing operations in fifteen minutes!" Clement affirmed from the communications station as the Pioneer moved closer to the stricken ship to cover the ODSTs on approach.
On the tactical display, both Sturgeon and Erickson could see the dropships attaching themselves to the hull of the disabled vessel. "Energy spike!" Leif shouted. Suddenly, one of the weapon emplacements went active. The Pioneer jolted from the attack as alarms went off, and the operations officer began to receive reports of damage to the ship.
"Damage report!" Erickson demanded.
"Armor in sections B through D, Decks 13 through 17 is down to 55%," Lieutenant J.G. (Junior Grade) Henderson at the operations station responded. "No hull breaches reported, but I am diverting all non-essential crew from those areas, and they are on standby to be sealed off."
"What was that?" Sturgeon demanded as he tried to keep himself from stumbling on the bridge.
"Based on what I read from reviewing the sensors, it appears that the ship has a powerful laser weapon on gamma ray wavelength," Leif reported, causing Sturgeon to raise his eyebrow. "Also, I'm detecting a significant thermal emission after firing the laser. I'm presuming that they can't fire it often due to that thermal buildup."
"They surprised us, Commander," Erickson said finally.
"It won't happen again," Sturgeon said with confidence. "Ready another salvo of Archer missiles. I want that weapon's point gone and any others they might have in store for us, pronto!"
"Yes, sir!" Williams replied, inputting the coordinates and readying the missiles for launch. "Launching missiles!" There was a minor tremor felt on the bridge, and several plumes could be seen as the missiles were launched from the pod and flew toward their target. There was a large explosion that could be seen, with several smalle on other sections of the enemy hull.
"Keep sensors focused on that ship," Sturgeon commanded. "I don't want to be caught unawares in case there are any more hidden surprises."
Both Leif and Briggs spent several minutes going through the information that they were receiving. Soon, Leif gave Sturgeon his answer. "As far as we can tell, there are no more weapons emplacements active on that ship. Now that we know that they have gamma-based lasers, I think we can be more prepared in the event they have more." This news was what Sturgeon and the rest of the crew wanted to hear, allowing themselves to relax slightly.
"Good, now we just have to wait for Major Jenkins and his ODSTs to capture that ship. Can we get a video link to monitor their progress, Leif?" Sturgeon asked.
The AI was quiet for a few seconds before answering. "Done, Commander. Patching their live video feed to the tactical display." Leif confirmed the display showing the interior of a Pelican dropship and the ODSTs preparing to breach the hull of the enemy ship