Space over Acastus is lonely tonight, and much darker than usual, somehow. It has been a stressful several days, but all have returned back to Acastus garnering what aid they can. Svenka has worked tirelessly to complete the Slyth Battleship, its hammerhead aggressive form cutting a swathe through the void, its molten salts reactor feeding incredible levels of power through the ship. It's crew is struggling to adjust to the not-quite-proportioned command chairs and consoles, and hasty translations of the slyth language to English have been taped over instrument panels. Kelvin Bell returned from Suha with news of a singularity sub munition, and the risks of using it. The Suhans were dutiful when explaining the limitations of the device, but if the battle turns, it may just swing the tide again. Eisheru arrived in system space followed by three other vessels, and a cantankerous second hand troop carrier, filled with six-thousand elite Red Sangha operatives. While they deployed, their three war-ships, all light displacement vessels, moved to fill holes in the tattered gunline

The UNW support arrived 18 hours ago in the form of non-combat ships from Rigers Corps of Engineers, staying out of the combat. In a surprise move to everyone, Ad-Astra's sizeable personal navy arrived in system with two heavy frigates, and two cruisers, adding some much needed heft to a fleet otherwise lacking in heavy warships

Seung Whitaker himself, along with one of the few Agata fragments has also arrived, using the war-experienced crew of his flagship to where he feels they are most needed, helping the under-gunned Acastans in a fight they truly need to win

Pinned a message.

Pinned a message.

(alright, that's enough prattle from me, we can do some rP before things kick off. For those of you without ships, PM me, il give you some options)

A message over an open channel goes out to all ships in the area. "This is Seung Whitaker of Whitaker Solutions. To those out there in their own ships I'm sure you can now see our enemy the Shapers before us as they come. They seem to have only brought a small fleet even with that giant mass behind it they're surely underestimating us. With our combined numbers we will surely take the day and, this battle will go down in history as the start of our stand against the Shapers both UNW and Greystar."

(R1 and R3 technically have multifocals but you’re totally free to load up R3 with 560 tons of explosives to suicide it into a thing of you really need to. R2 can evac some high profile figures or women and children or something if needed. R2 will be piloted by Devnoc and Stearn who are no strangers to the liberation of Acastus. R1 is Billy’s personal FM to be utilized as you wish.)

(theyre off screen for this as of right now, as a reserve, along wit the red sangha troop carrier)

(since we said they were doing non combat duties originally)

(Cool)

(Yes. Absolutely. I don’t want my research lab pew pewibg it’s multifocal in battle. XD)

"Governor Whitaker, I think I can speak for all of us when I say, we are grateful for your aid. Hopefully you brought some of that Terezinho luck with you. Should we meet aboard the star hab to discuss final preparations?" (edited)

"That sounds fine to me. I will meet you there soon." Seung says boarding a shuttle and making his way over.

Aboard the Starhab, Eisheru waits for Seung's shuttle to finish its docking sequence. He stands with arms loosely crossed behind his back and a warm friendly smile upon his face. "Greetings and welcome, Governor. I'd have never imagined to meet the leader of my home this far away from the planet itself. Although I wish we could meet under better circumstances." He extends a hand in greeting (edited)

Seung takes the hand in a tight grip shaking it as he does. “It’s good to meet you as well. I did not expect to meet a Merlon out this far from Terenzinho either.” (edited)

"The currents of life have a unique way of bringing people to places they never imagined they would be. Before the others arrive I must ask, how is the home planet? It has been some time since I have been able to see her waters..." Seung sees the stoic demeanor crack ever so slightly as he asks about the watery planet

Kelvin’s shuttle arrives at the Starhab from the lead Corvette. He steps out, seeing Eisheru and Governor Whitaker in mid-conversation, and approaches slowly. “Apologies for the interruption. Eisheru, good to see you. And Governor, a pleasure to meet you in person. And thank you for coming to our aid in this battle. With your help, Acastus may just have a shot at survival.”

Svenka and Lena materialize in the room “I know, I know, the readings don’t look right to me either, I don’t know what is drawing all of that power, but it doesn’t seem to make a dent in the...” She looks around the room, slightly caught off guard “Goddamn teleporter” she mutters under her breath, brushing herself off “The ship is approaching readiness, although I feel like we will be down to the wire. I’m still trying to get the crew trained up and put through the paces - the thing is massive and it’s going to need a lot of hands to operate... I’m still getting my bearings... and I interrupted a conversation didn’t I?”

Dorian walks in, trying to be polite and not interrupt. He nods to Svenka in greeting.

Eisheru is about ready to greet Svenka and Kelvin when he spots the unknown figure (dorian). He pointedly turns and looks directly at the man standing walking into the meeting room. "Excuse me sir, but this area is off limits, please return to the civilian area of the starhab."

“Hi, Dorian Guerra. I’m with her,” he gestures towards Svenka. “Figure you all could use as many folks as you can get.”

“I’ve never seen this man before in my life.” She tries to say with a straight face

“Treachery!” He mocks being stabbed in the chest.

“He’s a spy with the UNW, also decent enough, for a human.”

Eisheru upon hearing the words spy opens the telepathic connection with Svenka Svenka: 'I would ask if you are kidding, but your emotions state otherwise. Why would you... A spy??? I guess it won't matter much if we lose, but I think we might need to have a conversation regarding this should we live to talk about it. (edited)

“Yes, both of those are accurate descriptions. And they’d make a good business card tagline.”

Eisheru spends a long moment studying Dorian. "Hrm... The director won't like it, but right now I guess we can't be too picky with our bedfellows... Nice to meet you, Mr. Guerra. Eisheru Tidecaller"

(Sorry Dorian, but please make a mental save. Eisheru is gonna open a Telepathic Contact with you and probe your mind.)

(Ohhhh cool) Dorian smiles and extends a hand in greeting, “Probably not. The pleasure is mine Mr. Tidecaller. I’m also here to function as a liaison and source of communication with the UNW government once we get through all this.”

(Whoops, May have hit it once or five times. First one was a success 18 vs 10)

(Nothing happens then effort wasted) Eisheru narrows his eyes at the mention of being a liaison. "Please forgive me if I don't trust your stated intentions of being a UNW Liaison. But as I said, we cannot be too concerned with whom we make our bed with at the moment."

“No offense taken, I’ll do what I can to mitigate the ill will between our governments. This is your show, I’m here to help however I can.”

To Eisheru: I don’t know how he got in here... he was going to help getting people off planet and then assist in the fight... crafty fucker.

To Svenka: Crafty indeed... An issue for another time.

Eisheru spends another minute staring at Dorian trying to get a read on him. He eventually turns back towards Seung, "Governor, I do believe that you have the most field experience out of anyone here. Your input on how to best achieve victory will be greatly appreciated."

"I'll be honest when it comes to this foe I'm a bit out of the loop. I don't know if my usual tricks will work and with Agata not here as a whole many of them will be null. I would suggest we watch that we don't let them flank us with their ships by splitting our fleet and waiting for them to come to us. If we can focusing the smaller ships first then the large craft that seems to be their siege vessel that would likely wish to some how attach itself or fire it's projectiles to the planet. The less fire coming our way the better chance of survival."

"While I was searching the Slyth battleship we now field, I discovered that the Shapers favor screening tactics with their lighter craft. They seem to prefer attempts to disable lone ships and then board to neutralize threats. Based on your assessments, it seems we should concentrate our ships as much as possible to protect the group."

“I guess we are talking about the fact that we have a Slyth Battleship now?” Svenka smiles

(womp was careful before now not lmao)

"Hard to miss the thing and they were bound to see it sooner or later. And Dorian knows this probably better than most, secrets never stay secret for long"

Svenka looks at Lena, who shrugs and then back at Eisheru “I did say pretty clearly that Dorian is a spy, right?”

"I was curious where the ship came from. Did remind me of another Slyth battleship I've seen. Did you happen to find it some where near any remnant? We're pretty sure they thought up the Titans through one they found that had originally attacked Gudrun many years ago."

“Only boring secrets are kept with any regularity.”

“I’ve been trying to keep it under wraps while we figure it out, it’s docked in the shipyard going through hopefully final prep - with the materials you brought we have been able to fire the reactor fully. I was just trying to figure out a significant power draw before we beamed over.” She looks like she has forgotten something for a moment. “Oh and yes - we reclaimed it from some remaining Remnant forces.”

"Interesting. You'll have to tell me about that later when we're not facing the possible death of millions. Does anyone else have anything they'd like to pull from their asses? I'd say we should probably rally around the Slyth ship mostly with a small group to watch the flank if that's all that will be joining us." (edited)

Svenka smiles mirthlessly “I could use some crew on the battleship... it’s a lot to handle and we need hands. I could also use some engineering assistance to better understand the systems and that damned power draw, as much as I hate to admit it. Seung, you are the most experienced in ship combat - any guidance you can offer on strategies would be welcome. Beyond specific state secrets, everything is on the table - we are dealing with a horrific enemy that shows no remorse and will literally consume us and our way of life, so we need to have everything on the table... including the fact that we have a Slyth Battleship.” There is a clear glimmer in her eyes that really wants to be excited, but the rest of her knows that would be terribly, horribly inappropriate.

"Well when it comes to men I brought the necessities for myself, but as for knowledge one of the foremost scientist of the UNW Val is here on my ship. I would send a shuttle for her at the soonest so she may be able to help you in figuring out the ship before the battle." (edited)

She nods “ @DaveH maybe you could help with the final preflight?”

“Happy to, before I board the lead Corvette in my squadron. I’ll follow your lead, Svenka.”

“I do have my ship, Mokoshi’s Wings docked inside of the Battleship, and we have 2 fighter bays onboard. If anyone wants to captain the Wings... She’s all yours. Still pretty much in the same configuration as when you gave her to me Seung. I’m sorry I haven’t fulfilled my end of the bargain in exploring very much.”

(I’m gonna have the npcs lead squadrons of the Greystar ships. Less hurt feelings if ships die )

(Sorry not npcs I mean PCs without their own

(As long as she has a glorious death )

The alert sirens begin to flash in the hangar as your conversation winds down, the terminals on the walls turning an angry red

“Shit... Alright - good luck everyone!” Svenka keys on her Black Slab to get beamed back

“Mind letting me hitch a ride? If you need crew, I can gun and repel any boarders you might get.”

She rolls her eyes “And let a spy get all that wonderful Slyth tech knowledge?” She smiles “Wouldn’t have it any other way - I hope you are quick on your feet.” She slaps a tracker on his jacket and re-keys the command “Anyone else coming on the Battleship?”

"I'm headed towards one of our cruisers., Take care of her out there, Svenka" through the connection, she hears the deep Merlon voice in her head. 'Good luck Svenka, make it through this alright? We need good people like you' Eisheru bows deeply to Governor Seung and clasps arms with Kelvin. He then turns and strides purposefully towards the shuttle bay. (edited)

Outside, in the darkness of space, several points of light begin to blossom at the deep space LaGrange point. For a moment, a new constellation hangs in a ring formation in the Acastan night sky. On the ground, the Acastan Planetary Defense Force trains its operational anti-aircraft guns skywards to brace against space assault. The city breaker guns, repaired through past generosity, come online to deny easy bombardment. Red Sanha mercenaries reinforce places around the city where civilians are sheltering en masse, their reputation for being unbreaking in the face of horror perhaps about to come to the test An orange/blue ring of energy connects these pinpricks in the void, and a swirling purple portal is formed, easily the size of a small planetoid. Through it, comes the shaper host. squadrons of small vessels, followed by two large, maw open hive ships, and finally, a horrific creation never before seen in human space an object the size of Gudrun's moon makes its way slowly out of the rift, trailing a tentacle as long as three battleships, crackling with energy. It looks to be a horrific amalgamation of flesh and metal, close range imagery showing its entire surface as a rolling boil of screaming human, alien, and bestial faces that ripple as though still alive. (edited)

“Well that’s damned horrific.” Svenka says while getting in to the captains chair. “Dorian, get on weapons, we still don’t have all the controls mapped out but see what you can do. I need a systems report and whatever we can get on a sweep of that thing, Lena. Comms live to all ships.” She pauses for the comms to come online “Okay everyone, I know how terrible that thing looks, I can see it. It’s just a mess, but it’s a living thing. That means the more we throw at it the less effective it’s going to be. The shapers rely on swarming tactics, so we need to focus on crowd control. Hold formation and keep the fire on the little ones, then we work to get an opening on that ugly nightmare moon.”

Eisheru boards the cruiser, Bastion and sits in the Captain's chair. 'I hope it is enough,' he thinks to himself. "Johannah, open a channel to the fleet. Attention, Grey Fleet. Only a short while ago we were all nomads. Forging a life traveling amongst the Stars. When we decided to make Acastus our home, they chose us just as much as we chose them. They chose us because we promised them that we will be the shield that protects them from the horrors of the Galaxy. That they would not have to experience another darkness like the Still Lady. The time has come to put our credits where our mouth is. This isn't a bar fight, this is survival. Find every last once of strength, grit and willpower. We're gonna need it. Protect the battleship, protect the planet. For Acastus!"

“Weps, aye. Ready to go. Time to be big damn heroes.”

Kelvin takes a fast shuttle back to the lead Corvette in his squadron, and heads to the bridge. He turns to face the crew. “Ladies and gentlemen. This is it. If you volunteered to be here to fight for Acastan freedom - this is your chance. If you signed up because you wanted to be a hero - the time is now. If you’re scared and want to go home - I am too. But we’re here, and we need to fight and win so we still have home to go back to. Everyone - to their stations! For Acastus!” He raises a fist in the air before taking a seat. (edited)

(Alright everyone , let’s get initiative rolls. Dorian since you’re aboard svenkas ship we will act with hers since you’re sharing command points she generates)

(And if anyone needs a space combat rundown I’ll type something up in help)

(6)

(4)

(Space combat rundown would be awesome)

(agreed would be really helpful)

As Dorian hurriedly familiarizes himself with the gunnery controls he calls out, “This is just like killing the kraken in Dabloonscape! Except instead of winning a platinum parrot when we kill it, we get to not die. So that’s still a good thing.”

“Get a handle on the controls - We have a smart cloud and a beam cannon... that we know of.”

(4)

(Yes would love a quick summary as well)

(It’s in help)

(5, just need Seung s roll)

(And @Rey Messi (Shriven) has a few ships here too)

(1 for the Npc lead fleet here)

(Do you want to roll their actual turns when they come?)

(Unless someone else wants to run them.)

(9 for Seung here)

(if you got too much going on in the other thread I can take it over for your Shriven)

(So I got first for combat alrighty.)

(LEAD US TO VICTORY!!!!!)

Seung has his ship head for the second quadrant. "Hopefully we can use that moon for something if we need to." Once the ship makes it Seung has the pilot put it into Evasive maneuvers for once the flesh shapers arrive. (vs 9 dex/pilot skill got a 15 so plus 1 ac for this turn to the ship.) (End of turn.) (edited)

Pinned a message.

The Greystar Cruiser, Bastion, and the three Red Sangha frigates flank the Slyth Battleship getting ready to provide cover to the massive flagship. (End turn)

(I’ll roll this up on my lunch. Back soon)

Two of the shaper escort squadrons head into quadrant two, accompanied by one of the massive hive ships. The squadrons each consist of five patrol ships, and you can see more of them barnacled on the sides of the hive ship. (So ten total patrol boats and one battleship)

(Actions now)

Their move has them stretched thin but single bone spikes fire from the patrol boats groups

(21/14 21/9 non nat 20/14 22/ 7 19/ 10 , AP 15)

The hive ship begins building an energy charge near its bow, electricity cracklings around it in the void like a lightning storm

(But can’t do anything else this turn) The other squadrons appear to be keeping close to the battle moon and its ...whatever passes for its propulsion system begins moving it in the direction of quadrant 3

(Taking a crisis on one of the 14's otherwise already dead. I forget if you wanna roll the crisis or us.) (edited)

(Go for it. You can do it)

(Cargo loss so nothing exciting)

“Shit, they are moving up - Eisheru, moving her in - help run interference, Kelvin, assist Seung. Dorian, fire at that Hive ship when you are in range!” 3CP - Moving in to Quadrant 3 to head them off. 2CP - Fire one Weapon - Dorian The massive ship lumbers out of Acastus local space and out into the black, lining up to cut into one of the monstrosities

(And let me know if I’ve messed up any of that)

(I’ll wait for Dorian to resolve the shot before I go)

(Nope that’s perfect Dorian just has to decide what weapon to fire

(Sorry I’ve seen this, just had to run a call when I was figuring it out)

Dorian flips switches and throws a lever forward, “Powering up the spinal beam cannon. Let’s see what it can do!” (13(4+9 (forgot to adjust my AB during leveling))/18 (17+1 Dex), AP15 if you need that) (edited)

(isn't that thing 10d10?) (edited)

(Different gun)

(my b)

(Going to bed pretty soon - should I post my action and Neko can resolve Dorian’s hit and whatever happens with me?)

(yeah just post it)

(Ok - only question - does my NPC gunner get +1 Dex for damage? I’ll post and Neko can adjust if needed) (edited)

(i believe so and best to just post it and let neko tell you where you goofed)

Kelvin grips the armrests of the captains chair. “Bridge! Prepare for combat! Move to support Seung’s ship, evasion protocol!” Over the comms, he barks orders to the other two Corvettes “Both of you, to Seung’s flank and fire those fucking torpedos!” Ship 1: 3 CP - Move to sector 2 2 CP - fire torpedos (11 + 3 / 19+1 Dex if that counts) Ship 2: 3 CP - move to Sector 2 2 CP - fire torpedos (nat 20+3/16+1 dex; crit makes it 33 dmg) Ship 3 (my ship w/ Star Captain) 3 CP - move to Sector 2 2 CP - Evasive Maneuvers (9+2 vs 9 - add 1 AC to this ship) 2 CP - fire torpedos (11+3 / 19 + 1 dex) (edited)

(All AP 20)

(Nothing in sector 3 right?)

(There is a hive ship and some patrol ships there - and the Slyth battleship)

The ad Astra fleet head to sector 3 3 CP to move 2 CP fire one weapon each at the cruiser (21/10, 23/14crit ,19/14, 8/-) AP20 (edited)

The spinal beam cannon powers up on the shark fin like back of the slyth battleship and for a moment the capital ship and the closest shaper patrol@boat are linked by a giant beam of light, before the enemy craft simply vanishes. All that is left is a greasy smear across the heavens

The rest of the battle fleet moves through it , without paying ceremony

A torpedo volley follows as kelvins ships race forward to reinforce seungs critically damaged cruiser. Three more of the small craft are speared through by high explosive warheads, reducing this first enemy formation to just over half strength

"It just disappeared! Svenka, I need one of these." He begins the process of retargeting the weapon systems.

The cruiser takes two hits along its flank as the heavy ad astra ships begin to move forward and make their larger guns known. The cracking light of the moon and its dangling weapon casts a flickering, eerie glow to everything , worse than the pulsar sun at the heart of this system

(wait i skipped eisheru

(everyone started posting ahead of me and i got lost)

(He spent his turn not doing anything.)

(right, okay so it is you)

(acastus map is updated correctly now with ship dispositions)

(yeah we have gone thru the initiative one full time)

(Seung up)

(map is updated now too with positions of ships)

Red lights flash and klaxons go off through out of Seungs ship as the 8 Id fighters quickly launch out to the battle field and crew members head for lifeboats. "Non essentials head for life boats. We will defeat this threat but you do not need to die." Seung stands from the captains chair giving orders around doing his best to make sure those unable to make for escape till the last moment are able to work their best even with this threat. (Above and beyond leadership roll 11v9 adding 5 cp to the transports turn.) "Now let's blast that big fucker!" 2cp x 5 Single fire at the battleship. 17/10 crit/24 5/11 10/15 8/18 (Two hits I hope Bleh.) The 8 fighters take aim and fire twice each aiming for their own patrol ship Torpedoes firing across the battlefield. 2cp x 2 5/12 5/15 19/17 8/14 22/11 4/20 13/13 11/15 11/23 13/15 8/15 18/18 16/19 13/17 Crit/30 18/15

Four of the patrol boats are strafed to oblivion, reducing the formation to just two vessels, out of the legion deployed at battle beginning. The quivering masses on the battleship begin to slowly float off, umbilical cord like tendrils separating, as the replacements move to rejoin formation with the survivors. (back to 10, but the battleship can't do it again) The battleship itself rocks gently as impacts cut and burn over its surface, for now, maintaining course and giving its 'children' time to make a clean separation

(Eisheru)

"Helm, keep up with the flagship. Comms, have Red 3 break off to support Governor Seung. Red 1 and 2, follow us. All ships fire at will." A grey cruiser followed by two Red Sengha patrol boats speed to catch up to the Slyth battleship in sector 3. Meanwhile, the Red Sangha Corvette peels off to go support sector 2. As the cruiser screams into range, Eisheru begins calling out targets for the ship's weapons. (All ships: 3CP - Cruiser and two patrol boats to sector 3. Red Sangha Corvette to sector two. RS Patrol Boats 1 and 2 2CP - Fire one weapon - 16/11+1dex and 7/13+1dex plasma beam ap 10 RS Corvette 2CP - fire one weapon - 6/7+1 dex torpedo ammo 3 of 4 ap 20 Cruiser Support department subtract 2 CP from gunnery dept 3CP Fire all weapons - grav cannon x 3 - 13/11+1dex 20/14+1dex unnat and 23/30+1dex nat20 all ap20 I believe that's all of it.) (edited)

(What are you shooting at.)

(So I can figure out what the damage vs ap should be )

(patrol boats and Corvette will start with the smallest ship first and work up. Cruiser would focus on a battleship)

(I am on mobile so Roll20 is almost useless - what are the remaining shaper ships in S2?)

One of the shaper escorts in 3 is killed by a swift red sangha torpedo strike, the rest of the plasma bean fire running wide of their targets as the gunners work to triangulate. The cruiser and enemy battleship square off as they come a beam of one another and the void lights with lasers and energy flashes. (Crisis for the 30, I’ll take the rest). It’s engines lock and it continues hurtling forward, unable to change course as it drifts to the fringe of the battle space

(10 patrol boats and the battleship in 2 kelvin. The battleship replaced losses from its limpet mounts but can’t do it again)

—————————/ Shaper turn

The torpedo boats in q2 move in on the stricken cruiser, hoping to make a quick kill despite hasty reinforcements brought in from planetside. (22/6. 21/12. 20/13 Ap15)

The battleship is unable to resolve its crisis this turn but unleashes it’s charging lighting mantle at the Greystar cruiser Though the shot goes wide

(I have to go back to work but I’m not done. Have to do quadrant 3)

(If those shots were at me I’m more then dead in the water now.)

(I dont know if it got confused but in sector 2 there is: Seung Cruiser, Seung 8 Fighters, Red Sangha Corvette, Greystar 3 Corvettes. || In sector 3, there is Shriven 2 cruisers, Shriven 2 heavy frigates, Greystar Cruiser, Slyth Battleship, red sangha 2 patrol boats.) (edited)

(The roll20 map isn’t correct since stuff happened since I’ve been at a computer last of thats what you’re referring to)

(And I miss with a 9 fkr the lighting gun no matter who I’m shooting st)

(So that washes)

The task force cruiser begins to shake apart , riven with internal explosions. Blast shutters slam to prevent the bridge decompressing The dead lie hunched over blown out consoles or sprawled on the floor, cooked by overloaded electrical systems. The Agata fragment chimes , one last time. “I have an idea , but you’ll need to hold onto something Seung”

(Q3 soon for shapers. They must think I have worlds smallest bladder at work) (edited)

“Well Agata as long as it doesn’t end with me dead or floating in space for the next 50 years let’s see how it goes.” Seung says bracing himself on a console.

The battle moon fires it’s weapons batteries first at the slyth battleship, seeking to dismantle the form of its ancient enemy with a close range mass cannon barrage (18/22 21/24, Ap20) The trialing tentacle lashes out at Heavy Handed 1, seeking to crush the cruiser in its earthquake like impact (27/26 Ap 25)

The battleship in this section begins charging its lighting mantle while the limpet mounts on its sides bristle with the excitement of being unleashed. The patrol boat section of 10 fires at bottom line 1 (22/7. Crit 27, 21/10 , 21/16, 18/16, 18/14 ap15) (edited)

(Kelvin is next)

(Have we lost any ships?)

(seung's cruiser is out)

(So just my three corvettes vs the 10 shaper patrol boats and battleship in Sector 2, correct?)

(There are eight heavy fighters and one of red sanghas corvettes in q2 as well)

(Ok need to finish something quickly at work then will take my turn on lunch - next 30-45 min)

There is a quiet moment as Kelvin’s crew processes the damage done to Seung’s cruiser, and the seemingly-impossible materialization of 8 new shaper patrol boats in the sector. Kelvin’s second in command turns slowly to face his superior. A bead of sweat drips down his brow. “Orders, sir?” A beat as Kelvin considers a retreat to protect Acastus, then realizes his only hope is to stand firm and blast these shapers into oblivion. He stands to speak and opens the comms to the other Corvettes. “I want an all-out assault on these patrol boats. Fire everything we have!” To his Gunner, he asks, “How fast can we get off three torpedo shots while peppering them with flak?” “Fastest we’ve done it in training is about 20 seconds sir.” “We need to do it faster. One right after the other or we’re all going to die. I’ve been in some gunner training sims myself - I will help you.” (So for the two NPC Corvettes it’s going to be Fire All Guns (3 CP) followed by Fire One Weapon (torpedos, 2 CP). Kelvin is taking the Support Department action to reduce Gunner CP requirements by 2. The Gunner will then do Fire All Weapons three times. That would be 9 CP, but I get -2 from Support and +2 for Star Captain. Will roll for everything - 12 shots in all) (edited)

Flak first - 5 shots total (1 each from NPC ships, 3 from Kelvin’s) 5/7, 12/6, 4/3, 4/7, 19/10. AP 10, Flak (Yes there were two ones rolled)

Torpedos (also 5) 12/9, 15/7, 15/12, 23/31 crit, 7/12

Torpedos AP 20

(Wait need two more torpedo shots. One from each NPC ship) (edited)

(OOC in parenthesis please )

(2 torpedo shots from NPC ships - Fire One Weapon from each) 10/18, 9/16

The flak cannons break apart one of the patrol boats that is in the middle of diving on your formation. A fire spray cone of gore spreads across the void in an inky firmament above you. A second is cut stem to stern by a torpedo that passes all the way through and explodes in space behind it , but the cored ship drifts on lifeless, no longer a thread. Two others are damaged from glancing blows, the fuses not adjusted properly at the quick firing

(Svenka/Dorian next)

The huge ship shudders under the attacks, it was definitely felt, but not catastrophic Okay, here goes... everything Svenka Sits in the captain’s chair, a nest of cables and wires running to a makeshift set of terminals and her own black slab interfaced directly to the ship “Fuck... Focus on the Big one, if anything gets close to us, use the cloud... Dorian, we have a massive buildup of power, are they doing that? Systems are getting goddamn hot!” A Slyth voice comes on over the din of the bridge “I... really should have studied Slyth harder! She’s saying something about a spear... or an arrow.” She shakes her head, focusing on the translations on her Black slab and punching in commands and rerouting power, overclocking the systems to near-overheat. “I am going to give you all the power I can, Dorian, unleash hell on that thing - punch a hole in that goddamn tentacled marble. Target the engines if you can, but focus on just bringing it down.” She works furiously on the pad, turning her attention to the Computer systems “Work to bring her systems down... whatever they are, jam them, divert them, whatever you need to do to slow them down, do it! While you are at it, we need to launch defence ourselves, make them think we are a little off of where we actually are.” The Ship continues chattering, Svenka largely ignoring it, and then some bit of translation comes across “Main Spear? What the fuck is a...” Suddenly the front of the ship starts crackling in energy, whole portions of the ship opening to reveal a massive maw filled with glowing energy. She looks down at her pad and then over to Dorian. “Use that.”

(Mechanics - 5CP Base +4 for Gunnery from the Volley Capacitors +5 from Above and Beyond = 14: 0 - Above and Beyond - Int/Fix 15 - +5 to CP 2 - Crash Systems - Int/Prog 19 - Moon has -4 CP next round 2 - Sensor Ghost - Int/Prog 19 - Battleship gets +3 AC until next round 2+1 - Fire Main Gun Targeting Engines 3 - Fire all Guns 2 - Fire Main Gun 2 - Fire Main Gun)

Dorian rocks in his seat with the hits, "Here we go!" His screen begins changing as new icons form and merge. Power bars begin filling next to a new icon. What can only be interpreted as warning chevrons begin pulsing in time with the power fluctuations throughout the vessel. Targeting reticles center over the death moon as the power levels max out, the new icon glowing a violent shade of red. "Shape this you shits." (Singularity Gun 1 of 4 (targeting engines): 12/32 Singularity Gun 2 of 4: 11/38 Spinal Beam Cannon: 13/23 Smart Cloud: 21/14 Singularity Gun 3 of 4: 10/31 Singularity Gun 4 of 4: 18/39)

The singularity gun scores one hit that causes more than superficial damage , breaking a small chunk of flesh metal away and cracking a small impact site around it. The tentacle writhes in pain. The razor keen projectiles of the smart cloud pepper the surface of the tumbling wrecked piece severing the trailing nerves and tendons collecting it to the main chunk. It tumbles away, past the battleship but on a course toward the third moon of Acastus in your quadrant

(Shriven up)

(Just to confirm the moon is in my sector right now right? Sector3)

(Yes)

(Someone should make a spreadsheet for this)

(We have the map. I’ll be at a computer tonight)

(But... spreadsheets.)

(Theres hasn’t been too much movement)

The Ad Astra fleet ramps up and kicks on the volley capacitors. (+3 CP mod) “Fire everything we can at that moon!” (Fire all weapons x2 6cp Fire one weapon 2cp) (AP20 shots: 21/22, 21/8, 14/14, 19/10, 7/17, 6/11, 4/5, 18/21, 4/23, 9/13, 12/14, 9/19, 18/18, 13/15, 5/8, 4/19, 8/20, 11/14, 20/11, 7/15 AP10 shots: 17/11, 11/15, 19/7, 13/13, 4/10, 21/12, 22/4, 7/21 AP10)

(Total damage 41@ AP20 and 23 @ AP10) (edited)

The moon cracks and the damage to the already weakened section continues to spread, spiderwebbing more of the moons strange surface

Aboard the broken task force Phoenix cruiser, Agata notices Seung is braced. “Hold on to something. I hope to see you in UNW space again.” The lights turn off for the last time as the armored bridge rotated to face the enemy battle moon. The cruiser explodes in a spreading ball of fire and force, peppering the void with shrapnel. The front half of the cruiser flies like a spear straight at the damaged section of the moon, it’s most lethal cargo in the form of Seung aboard (edited)

(Starting with the fighters first.) The WS fighters loop around the battle field splitting into two groups one firing 4 shots at the battle ship and the other firing four shots splitting them between patrol boats. (Using volley capacitors to add 4cp for firing this round so each fighter is doing fire single x4 for 8cp.) Against the battleship. Only rolling dmg for 15 above 21/14 20/13 16/10 Crit/30 21/15 16/8 21/13 17/17 crit/15 20/11 20/13 Against the patrol boats firing twice at 8 of them showing 15 and above 16/8 20/10 No hits 21/15 No hits 21/10 17/10 20/22 15/18 (Now seungs monologue.)

(Taking a crisis for the 30. Battleship is barely hanging in there. )

The patrol boats suffer poorly , the torpedo runs destroying two of them, leaving damage across four others. The formation has been reduced to just over half strength, their pintle mounts swiveling to track the fighters

(Monologue then eisheru)

(What crisis did you have before you never did resolve it.)

(Crew lost and he didn’t pass the check I got a 9)

(Then it was engine lock which I’ve got now)

Seung braced feels the force of the acceleration for a brief moment as the Agata not flies back with gravity dying with the power. At the half the ship flies unguided towards the moon now growing larger in the bridges viewing window. “This sure is a long way from shooting a few bugwolves in the fields.” Seung toggles his comms. “If anyone can hear me this is Seung Whitaker. As you’ve probably seen my transport has been destroyed although hopefully many of the crew were able to escape via the lifeboats. It appears though as a last ditch effort Agata my Ai companion has sent me in an unguided trajectory towards the Shapers moon like craft. I don’t know if I’ll survive the landing, but if I do I’ll do what I can on the surface. If I don’t please make sure that you kill all these creatures and survive, make sure that those on Acastus are another day, make sure there can still be hope that humanity and it’s allies can survive. If you can hear me I don’t think I have much time left but make sure that my death is told to Gunnar who will now be running WS, and tell Ivanna I love her.” Seung takes a deep breath steeling him self for the impact. “For Greenbriar. For Task Force Phoenix. For Gudrun. For the UNW. For everyone out there wishing us on. I will do my best to finish this fight and see it through.” (edited)

The cruisers bow crumples at it punches through the weakened section of the enemy battle moon, sending spiraling contrails of fire, venting gas and splintered metal into the void. The bodies of crew and shapers are also ejected into space though those still alive do not suffer long after the moment of impact. Seung is hurled through the broken bridge viewer armor glass onto a cavernous chamber inside the moon, backlit by the flickering flames from his craft.

He stands to find himself alone for the moment. But clearly not for long

(Eisheru)

"It's now or never everyone. I need you all at your best for this. Jaavik, relay orders Red 1 and 2 pick off those incoming ships..." The Governor Seung's ship goes dark on the battle map, there is a pregnant pause as they watch the ship streak across the system into the moon monstrosity. There is a deafening silence on the bridge. Eisheru attempts to cover any hurt in his voice, "... and get Red 3 to take down that battleship. Governor Whitaker's sacrifice will not be in vain. For Acastus!" Eisheru sees the pressure that the Shriven's ships are putting on the battle moon. "We need to keep pressure off of Svenka and the Ad Astra fleet. Johnston, maneuver to optimal weapons range of the damaged battle ship, let's try to take it out of the fight. Oestricher, I want a full broadside on that fucking monstrosity!" He says with a low voice full of determination. "All power to the cannons... Fire!"

(Big maths coming in)

(Greystar Cruiser - Quadrant 3 - Target: Battleship) (5 CP) (+4 CP Above and Beyond - Talk/Cha 15v9 - Success) (-3 CP Fire all guns Grav Cannon 12/19, 17/14, 7/13 AP 20) (-3 CP Fire all guns Grav Cannon 12/10, 10/12, 9/16 AP 20) (-3 CP Fire all guns Grav Cannon 9/16, 10/16, 5/12 AP 20) (Red Sangha Patrol Boats - Quadrant 3 - Target: Shaper Patrol Boats (If none left, Shaper Battleship)) (5CP) (+4 CP Volley Capacitor) (-3 CP Fire all guns Plasma 18/9, 17/10 AP 10 | Flak Battery 20/12, 21,10 AP 10 | Multifocal 5/4, 12/3 AP 20) (-3 CP Fire all guns Plasma 12/13, 11/11 AP 10 | Flak Battery 17/12, 10/8 AP 10 | Multifocal 5/2, 21/2 AP 20) (-3 CP Fire all guns Plasma 12/7, 5/13 AP 10 | Flak Battery 20/11, 12/10 AP 10 | Multifocal 9/3, 14,3) (Red Sangha Corvette - Quadrant 2 - Target: Shaper Battleship) (5CP) (-3 CP Fire all guns Torpedo 13/16 AP 20 ammo 2 of 4 | Flak 21/8 AP 10 ) (-2 CP FIre one gun Torpedo 15/14 AP 20 ammo 1 of 4)

(I’m gonna tally this when I get home

(Out at 8p)

(One grav cannon hit. Boats out right now are splashed. Torpedoes miss on the battleship) A torrent of fire unleashes from the battle group led by eisheru sends the shaper patrol squadron scattering across the void in a greasy smear of burned grease and metal. The battleship takes a slight hit and continues powering forward , it’s lighting gun crackling

(Easy once I looked at it. I’ll roll for them shortly)

The battle moon , seeing its support cut apart by smaller ships focused its armament on the red sangha patrol boats first

Fire all guns (16/34 and 28/24, Ap20 , one shot on each patrol boat ) The cracking tentacle crashes down on heavy handed 1 once again (26/24 ap25) This close to the battle moon it’s smaller weapons open from ventral ports, spines of bone metal, and concealed membranes in the super structure

A volley of bone spike torpedoes races outward , aimed at the Greystar cruiser

(29/19 18/16 25/16 22/13)

(I’ve still got the battleship and the moon can fire again I just want to let everyone catch up and see what’s left )

(what's the ap on the bone spikes?)

(20. Their version of torpedoes)

(both patrol boats are gonna take a crisis)

(They’re npc ships they can’t

(Then one is destroyed, the other has 1 hp. cruiser has armor 25 and hardened polyceramic overlay to reduce ap by 5. So 9, 6, 6, 3 damage. That look right?)

(I'll take the 24 damage. At 36/60)

(That’s also the reason why heavy handed can’t take a crisis No PC leading. It went boom with that hit.)

(Are you both caught up? Think you two are the only ones who have had to review stuff this round so far

(yup I'm caught up)

(Yep, one ship went dead) (edited)

The moon rapidly reloads its weapons batteries, and the tentacle passes through the ruins of bottom line 1 trailing fire and energy to smash into the slyth battleship, as it was keeping formation behind it. (16/29 ap25) As the red sangha patrol boat squadron is savaged by the acidic mass cannon rounds , one of their vessels dissolving from bow to halfway mid ship, the moon turns to continue raking the battleship with fire, the mass cannons now lighting (19/10 24/22 ap20) The torpedoes lash out to impact the red sangha patrol boat that survived the initial volley

(All 4 hit. Even at min damage I think I’m over , ap20)

(yeah it had 1 hp)

(I think the cruiser and slyth ship are alone in 3 with the moon now. Everyone else is in 2)

(3 cruisers 1 heavy Frigate and the battleship)

(Aren’t those in 2?)

(Ad Astra’s fleet is all there 2 cruisers and the remaining heavy.) (edited)

(Gotcha. Alright I’ve got their battleship and I’m done)

The strange lighting arc on the front of the shaper battleship flickers as it tries to constitute despite heavy damage, and fades out , ineffective.

(Kelvin up)

(no you were right shriven, they are in 3)

(not to be a stickler neko, but did you account for svenka taking down the moons cp by 4 for this turn?) (edited)

(Yes

(They don’t have electrical systems to fry)

(:+1:)

(I’ll try to take my turn in the next 30 min)

(No rush)

“We’re down to just the flak, and the other corvettes only have one torpedo left. It’s now or never. Fire everything we have at that goddamn shaper battleship!”

(2 NPC ships will Fire All Guns and then Fire One Weapon (flak) at the battleship. Kelvin’s ship will use Support Department to Fire flak 4 times (8 CP, less 2 for Support Dept, I have +2 for Star Cptn). Everyone targeting the battleship unless it’s destroyed and then the remaining patrol boats in Q2)

NPC Torpedos (2): 11/19, 16/19

Flak (8 shots, only posting those above 10) 21/12, 18/5, 22/12

(End turn)

Svenka continues furiously working through understanding the ship’s systems, the translation matrix on her black slab working overtime and getting warm in her hands..
“Keep up the pressure, we need to punch a hole in that thing, and we can.” I hope She notices Seung’s cruiser going critical “What is he... Get Seung’s cruiser onscreen” She watches as the remains of the battered cruiser make a suicide run at the moon “Focus fire on the weak spot. Let’s not let that sacrifice be in vain.” Although if the stories are true, he’s likely alive in there. Svenka reroutes power to targeting and continues the increased power draw from the reactor, pushing the ship hard to get as much out of her as she can. She looks up to see Eisheru’s battle group unleash hell on the Shapers “Nice! Push the attack! Alright Dorian, I’ve give you all the power I can, it’s not as much as last time around, so spend carefully.” She turns to another station “Assist on targeting, make use of the onboard computers, push it! We are going to accept that we might get some hits, people - full offensive and brace for return fire!” (Mechanics - 5 Base CP + 5 from Above and Beyond = 10 0 Above and Beyond (16) (+5 CP) 2 Defeat ECM (16) (+3 to hit) 2 Fire Main Gun 3 Fire All Guns 3 Fire All Guns)

The flak peppers the hull of the enemy battleship, tearing pieces of its spinal structure and battlements away. They spin harmlessly into the void, flash freezing now that they've disconnected from the main body of the ship. The patrol boats are rolled up, clearing Q2, and the enemy detachment here is nothing but a greasy stain, spreading across open space

(You get the +3 to hit, since youre boosting your own systems, but its not hampering them)

(Battleship destroyed?)

(yeah, quadrant is clear)

(it was pretty torn up already, you guys were slowly cutting more of it away every turn)

(sick!)

Dorian is focused on his weapons terminal, trying to make heads or tails of the hastily designed translation software. His reply is curt, and punctuated with depressing the various firing glyphs. (Singularity Gun 1 of 3: 19/24 Singularity Gun 2 of 3: 14/30 Singularity Gun 3 of 3: 29/30 Spinal Beam Cannon: 19/22 Smart Cloud: 29/22)

(Nice hits!)

(+12 to hit really helped on that one)

The moon is damaged by the powerful singularity gun, a 30m section of its surface compacted into a jagged cube, drifting away into space. Oily blood pumps from hastily ruptured veins, venting like air or water would from more conventional spacecraft in the moments before breaking apart. This moon however, does not look to be close to that point. The razor cloud rounds pepper its surface, adding impact craters like lost Earth's moon was once famous for.

(Shriven up)

(The moon is in my quadrant right?)

(Aye.)

The Ad Astra fleet target the moon for another set of rounds. Grav Cannon Attack AP20: 5 / 11, 21 / 11, 5 / 11, 13 / 13, 12 / 15, 19 / 12, 10 / 13, 21 / 10, 21 / 15, 18 / 14 Flak Cannon & Plasma Beams AP10: 17 / 7, 11 / 17 The fleet fires trying to redeem the fall of Heavy handed.

The remnants of the WS fleet split into 2 groups of 4 the Fleshshapers no longer in their quadrant they move to intercept the moon with their last payloads. 4 moving to quadrant 1 and 4 to quadrant 4. (3cp to move down so every one sits tight for the turn.) (edited)

(Going to write something for Seung inside the moon Happening here but in the interest of time eisheru if you’re available before I’m back do your turn if you’ve got time

(will do!)

The ship rocks from the impact of several bone torpedoes as they slam into the hull. There are no hull breeches but yellow damage control alerts begin popping up at his command station. "I want all non-essential personnel to get on the lifeboats and head back to Acastus." Eisheru notices a minor control board on the bridge burst into flames. He runs to grab a fire extinguisher and quickly puts it out. "Keep the pressure up everyone. Reinforcements are coming from quadrant 2. Fire for effect!"

(Greystar Cruiser / Quadrant 3 / Target: Battleship 5CP -0 CP Support Department (Gunnery) -1 CP Fire All Guns 18/16, 18/18, 21/12 | AP 20 -3 CP Fire All Guns 5/22, 5/11, crit/32 | AP 20 Red Sangha Corvette 5CP -3 CP move to Quadrant 4)

Aboard the battle moon , Seung pulls himself up In what’s left of some kind of burning control room. A rack of boarding pods has been knocked over by the impact and flames pool in small blazes everywhere as they feed on the seeming endlessly greasy organic matter. Ahead, a broken iris door leads to a room with a pulsating blue glow. Some sort of node is suspended on ropes of thick tendon from the ceiling, 20m high, and energy crackles from it to some type of connection node. Dozens of these eyestalk like receivers are tethered to the wall, smaller and more anchored versions of the dangling organ

(You can make some moves or however you wanna proceed whenever you get back Seung.) The battleship and cruiser, both heavily smashed and battered by weapons fire come a beam of one another as lifeboats streak from the cruiser. Weapons fire streaks from the cruiser, it’s three grav cannons a fraction of a second faster and it saved the lives of all still left aboard. The battleship tumbles, riven into three sections by the heavy weapons fire, too little of it left to keep together

The moon is damaged , large sections of it aflame and cracked, and it is beginning to show. The wreck of seungs cruiser marrs it’s surface like some kind of tribal piercing

(The shapers go next kelvin so no can’t move yet. I also need someone , anyone from greystar at to give me a d20+3 for the planet breaker guns. )

(That moon piece never got destroyed and Is heading to the planet )

(oh shit... i thought it was gonna land on the moon. damn)

(5 for the breaker gun) (edited)

On the ground , alarms begin to sound as the breaker gun shot misses. The flesh rock begins heating in the planets atmosphere, sending burning fragments of flesh and metal tumbling back into space. it looks to be heading 1000km southwest of ash city, far enough away for the impact to fizzle out before hitting the city. The red sangha soldiers quickly mount their carriers and helicopters, the vanguard of a probing recon in force by city defenses

———- back in space———-

The full fury of the battle moon is on display as the battle devolves from elegant formations of vessels exchanging long range weapons fire to the close range scrapping of two packs of animals wanting nothing more than ripping one another to pieces

It’s tentacle lashes out at bottom line 1

(19/54 ap 25) The central torpedo launchers fire at heavy handed 2 (25/16. Non nat 20 18, 16/5. 16/12 ap20)

The mass cannons fire at the Greystar cruiser , hoping to avenge the fallen synapses in the battleship

(22/15 ap20, other one misses with an 11. Let me know when all are caught up and I’ll do round 2 of fire all guns)

(Armor 25 with polyceramic -5 to AP. 5 damage. ill take it)

(31/60)

(For seungs inner moon activities.) Seung stands up looking around and taking stock of the situation. “I hope most of the crew made it out.” He says towards what corpses remain. Gathering his gear he heads out of the destroyed bridge and through the door to the node room.

(Seung would see the electricity conducting organs from the post a couple messages ago. Can still do some things )

Seung hefts his launcher to his shoulder. “This looks important. Hopefully it’ll help them out there.” He whispers to himself hitting the trigger and launching a missile into the larger organ. (edited)

As fire blooms through the chamber in thermobaric heat, outside, the energy field around the large tentacle fizzles out, reducing the effectiveness of its lash to just mass alone

(Rolling half the damage dice for it now)

(26)

(So I meant the tentacle is only half working now. Those rockets are nail drivers man. You killed it)

(Just need Shriven to catch up with his ships and I’ll do round 2)

(Ah sorry.)

(Bottom line 1 and heavy handed gone. Only bottom line 2 left)

(all we got left is the moon and the chunk that landed on acastus?)

(Just the moon in space. The chunk will be something we revisit in a more focused manner later)

The moon, aflame and half ruined without as well as within, sends its rage into the void targeting the Greystar cruiser with its less effective tentacle (26/30 ap25) The mass cannons and central torpedo array fire on the slyth battleship , spending their entire remaining magazines for the moment to try to cause as much havoc as possible among your formation

(27/23 23/8 ap20 for mass cannons (26/20. 20/13 ap20 for torpedoes)

(Kelvin up)

(crisis for the 30)

(D10 my dude)

(2)

(believe that is cargo loss)

(Yeah just didn’t get to the book yet)

(going off memory, lmk if it's not)

(just checked for you, its Cargo Loss)

(Theta on point)

(:+1:)

(Theta right. Kelvin up)

(I’ve got houseguests - might be a little later this evening)

Cheers erupt on the bridge as the last fleshshaper ship in the sector is destroyed. Kelvin allows the crew a moment before snapping to attention. “Alright everyone it’s not over yet. There’s still action in Sector 3 and reports of something hitting the surface of Acastus. All three ships make way towards Sector 3, and be prepared for attacks. I want this ship to move ahead and engage stealth mode.” (Corvette 1 to Sector 4, attempt Evasive Action - fail on an 8) (Corvette 2 to Sector 4, Evasive Action success on 9 - +1 AC until my next turn) (Corvette 3 Support Department, move to Sector 4 and then Sector 3 - 6CP. Sensor Ghost for 2CP, success on 13 - +1AC until next turn) (edited)

Fuck fuck FUCK Svenka notes the large rock threatening to make landfall and the efforts to take it down “Same again people, keep up fire on that fucking moon! Hold steady and give her everything we have! Svenka’s black slab is now getting uncomfortably warm as it processes her commands and interfaces with the ship, she clips it into it’s makeshift mounting and continues to re-route power to weapons. The ship is holding strong, but overheat warnings flash across her screen as she pulls more and more power out of the reactor to the weapons systems. The ship’s voice continues speaking, although Svenka doesn’t know exactly what it’s saying. “Continue firing, keep up the pressure, we need to stop that moon - our other forces will deal with the rock - we need to hold the line against that thing.” I’m sorry Seung, if you are in there, I’m sorry. “Same again Dorian, GO GO GO!” (Mechanics - 5 Base CP + 5 from Above and Beyond = 10 0 Above and Beyond (16) (+5 CP) 2 Defeat ECM (14) (+3 to hit) 2 Fire Main Gun 3 Fire All Guns 3 Fire All Guns)

"I know, I know! Let's get this fucker!" Again, the Slyth battleship fires at the death moon. (Singularity Gun AP20 1 of 3: 14/58 Singularity Gun AP20 2 of 3: 29/65 Singularity Gun AP20 3 of 3: 24/51 Spinal Beam Cannon AP15 1 of 2: 21/19 Spinal Beam Cannon AP15 2 of 2: 22/17 Smart Cloud 1 of 2: 30/14 Smart Cloud 2 of 2: 25/21)

(Pilot checks for all ships)

Aboard the battle moon , sinew cables and floor plates collapse under an impact so fierce it drives Seung to his knees. The floor gives way under him and he sees the upper third of the moon sailing away, cut to pieces by singularity fire. A hatch shuts as Seung falls into a dark chamber the size of the cruiser he was brought here on. Landing on a bile slicked carpet of roiling tissue, suit lights click on, to reveal countless alcoves in the walls, each containing some sort of glowing blue node inside a semi opaque membrane

(6)

Seung does his best to stand up quickly using his optics cyberware to look for figures in the dark his arm becoming a mess of motion as his array opens his weapon emerging from his arm.

(9)

(10 unless I need to do one for each fighter.)

(10, assume rolling for the group of 3)

(Doing it for the groups is fine )

(Forgot to mention my gunners on all three ships were reloading torpedos last turn)

The smaller ships are able to dart away from the broken moon fragment and large chunks of flesh metal “rock” railing out from the wound carved by the singularity gun. That close to the moon, the battleship is unable to come about in time and takes a painful raking blow from a Large fragment (19 damage , ap25)

——- Inside the moon seungs vision resolves to see three three spider like shaper forms at the end of the chamber, tending one of these glowing membranes

(still in initiative?)

(Yeah it’s not dead but it’s close)

(sounds good. Who's turn is it?)

(Seung has some fighters here)

(Then you)

The fighters from WS move in their formations into the quadrant with the moon and ready for battle. (All use 3cp to move then end there.)

(Can’t fire?)

(Or do you not wanna risk it with you aboard)

(Been so focused on moving I didn’t even think about it oops.) (all 8 fire once only two above 12. 18/15 19/19. 20ap.) (edited)

Two torpedoes slam into the weakened moon as the fighters complete their diving attack runs. The shots hit deep into the creature now that it’s skin has been sundered

Two torpedoes slam into the weakened moon as the fighters complete their diving attack runs. The shots hit deep into the creature now that it’s skin has been sundered

It howls , the first noise it has made aside from the electrical charging of its whip tentacle

(Eisheru)

Eisheru stands on the bridge of battered Greystar Cruiser. The life boats are successfully away heading back to starhab. He reaches out with his telepathic connection to Mr. Oestricher sitting at the fire control system. Images of critical parts of the moon monstrosity begin flashing through his thoughts. Eisheru tries to deftly and subtlety weave the images into his consciousness. Without saying a word, Mr. Oestricher instinctively knows to fire. The grav cannons explode with a thunderous roar. (5CP Above and beyond, cha/telepathy 15v8. -3 CP Fire All Guns -3 CP Fire All Guns -3 CP For All Guns 4/10, 18/18, 16/10, 18/13, 12/11, 12/10, 20/20, 16/13, 4/9 All AP20)

(red Sangha Corvette upon hearing the news that the ground forces are mobilizing, they break off and enter orbit to provide heavy air support)

Inside the the moon Seung raises his array changing to grenades firing one towards the three tending the membranes. (Do you wanna move this so it doesn’t separate and get lost in the battle?) (edited)

(That’s fine we can do that)

The moon , the larges piece that remains takes one of the shots poorly and more cracklings appears on its surface. The spiderwebbing lines trail out, covering the rocky flesh surface with hairline fractures

You can sense it is nearly there

The moon howls and seems to have forgotten most of what it was doing , in its spasms firing the last of its cannons and torpedoes at the Greystar cruiser

(19/16 16/25 ap20 for mass cannons

(20/16 24/21 ap20)

(If dead, the ship explodes in 9 minutes)

(But it’s disabled as of now)

(25 armor, -5 to AP. 6, 6, 11. Crisis for 25. 8/60 hp)

(unless I can't take another crisis since i took one last time it attacked) (edited)

(You can take one per round. Some of them have to be resolved before bad things get worse but the cargo loss one doesn’t in this case)

(rolled 3, crew lost)

(Kelvin)

Kelvin’s ship shimmers in Sector 3 as its cloaking shield powers down. He eyes the slowly disintegrating moon, judging that it may only take a few more shots to force its end. “We’re going for rapid torpedo fire again, this time four shots, right at that thing. I want the other two Corvettes to join my flank and fire anything you can.” (Will use Assist Department on Kelvin’s ship to go from 7 to 9 CP) Kelvin’s ship : 8 CP fire torpedos 4x Corvettes 2 and 3 move to Sector 3 (3 CP) and each fire one torpedo (2 CP) (6 torpedo shots in all)

(9/19 , 9/9, 12/15, 4/20, 10/19 , 17/17)

(AP20)

(Gonna hold it here to see how seungs channel resolves real quick

Out in space the torpedo impacts hit at the same time as seungs rockets inside blow out the brain and conductive materials of the battle moon’s brain. The tentacle goes limp as do the various other weapon organs of this creature, and hundreds of small cracks begin to combine into larger ones. Gravitational forces are holding the debris together for the moment but it will not remain so for long

(Svenka and Dorian are up)

A message comes across general comms. “This is Seung. I’m inside the moon although it seems to be falling apart around me. Can anyone hear me?”

“Wha-“ Dorian mutters when Seung’s voice crackles across the bridge, “How the hell did he survive that?”

The heavy handed 2 messages back. “Glad to see you govenor, May we offer you a lift?” The captain of the ship sends.

Hearing the transmission, Kelvin’s eyes go wide “Everyone, hold your fire! We’ve got friendly survivors on that moon!” He shakes his head and mutters, “Somehow...”

Svenka smiles slightly, unsurprised. “Comms, lock on to Seung’s transmission and teleport him aboard Mokoshi’s Wings. Weapons, get ready to start atomizing what’s left after he’s safely aboard.” (edited)

“I would greatly appreciate any way off this thing.” Seung comms back to the replies back to the multiple messages.

"Glad to see you survived against all odds, Governor." Eisheru has the pilot limp the cruiser back to Acastus orbit. "Comms, raise the planetary defense command. Let's get an update on that shaper fragment that made landfall." (This is all assuming we are out of initiatve for the time being.)

“Weps ready.”

Dorian waits a moment,”Not to be that guy, and I realize it’s in your back yard not mine, do we want to destroy this? It’s the biggest piece of shaper tech we’ve encountered. If it’s dead, could we benefit from studying it?”

(I think we may want to wait on neko for that it may not be over.)

(Yeah of course)

(The wings wasn’t risking the battle so it can’t act during any of this. It’s out of position.

The planetary defense command is not answering comms , though you can listen In to the traffic being sent from detachments to one another. Red sangha forces are mobilizing quickly and their forward air recon elements are expecting to have eyes on the ground strike fragment within moments

(It’s inside the battleship if it matters)

(Alright. Technically I don’t think you can teleport through two ships like that but it’s not combat anymore so it’s fine

“Lena, you have the bridge. I’ll take Mokoshi’s wings out and teleport Seung on-board.” She keys her comm “Kade, meet me on Mokoshi’s Wings - there’s someone you would want to meet.”

Svenka works the computer systems to triangulate Seung’s location and get a stable enough position to get him on board

(13 prog/int)

The locus flares, and fails, citing too much debris and residual energy from the repeated singularity gun unleashments. A large crack spreads from the southern pole of the moon, running northeast, and ending at the middle, another section of it beginning to fall away

“Fuck. Seung, we might need to do this manually, or at least I am going to need to get a hell of a lot closer to bring you in. What’s your status?”

“Still standing around. What do you need me to do find a hole and jump out of the thing?”

“I mean... it wouldn’t hurt. I’m bringing her in as close as I can, but it’s still very hazardous.”

Seung looks around to attempt to travel towards the outside of the moon and the void.

There is a crumbling section of wall at the end of the room, that is close to where you remember the skin of the slowly collapsing battle moon being

Seung shoulders his launcher again firing the final missile hoping to open the wall.

(You are up over at haila too if you haven’t seen it) The missile sends an explosive plume of Rock, metal and twisted flesh out into the void, micro impacts peppering floating wreckage and heading out into space. (Let’s get a Pilot/dex for the wings approaching through a very dense debris field)

Svenka curses under her breath and switches over to manual control, bringing the exploration frigate in as close as she can (11)

(10 damage, ignores armor) The wings rocks as micofragments and some smaller pieces of wreckage simply can’t be avoided , dense as the shrapnel field is right now. You see Seung inside, illuminated by suit lights and with the hanging brains of the battle moon behind him, cored by rockets

(So Theres going to be some post battle decisions that need to be made. For now 9xp, 100,000 credits, and I’ll collect my thoughts for the aftermath )

Svenka has Kade beam him aboard the ‘Wings as she works to maneuver back out and to safety once he is aboard.

(And that’s 1/3 of the HP)

(thats for everyone 9xp 100k? nice! Great fun neko )

(Level up!! Great job everyone)

(Alright time to space, Dorian. He knows too much)

(Oh, completely)

(Yeah for everyone. This was a big and dangerous arc)

(I’ll make a news post later on tonight with what’s going on now, and you guys can have your actual monthly meeting)

(Dw Dorian just find Seung. I’ll make sure to give you company as you die in the void.)