[CONNECTION TERMINATED]
[Please connect to the nearby StarNet Connection for possible communication. If connection cannot be initiated; Please inform your nearest StarNet Relay Stations for connectivity problems.]
[...]
[BZZT!]
Click!
... Bzzt... Bzzt... Bzzt...
Click!
[CONNECTION TERMINATED]
[Plea-]
"Alright, alright! Enough of the damn machine already!"
A man screamed on his communication module, as his body slightly moved in the opposite direction of his bulky engineering space suit. Angering him once more, he activated his suit thrusters to get back into position of inspecting the radiators of the space station. Only to hear laughter from the other side of the communication module with a hard accent, reminiscent of that of the Eastern Europa.
"My, my, Ethan! Your fat arse is the reason why you got into that situation in the first place! Talk about discrimination at it's finest~"
"The only discrimination I see in this, is how ALL of you are putting this damn maintenance job to me! I thought it was Alamon's turn!" Ethan replied with annoyance, as he began to physically tamper with the radiators with his onboard toolkits.
"Don't forget, he's our sole engineer at maintaining that classified StarNet computer. So he's hands are full." The Eastern European man then ended his reply with a nervous chuckle, as Ethan remained silent throughout the maintenance job.
"For fuck's sake..."
"Sorry brother! Kepler 76's are the hardy ones after all!"
This goes on for nearly 10 minutes of idle talk here and there, regarding on the maintenance radiators of the space station. Since there is no sound that vibrated into the deep space, it was only the sounds of the inside of the space station that Ethan keeps on hearing. Probably for the better so that he won't loose it with the sheer silence of the whole place. Same goes for the Eastern European man, whom just occasionally have some idle chit chat with the other crews that went pass him, or how the automated voice would echo once every while to inform them of some information about the station.
Clink... Clink... Clink... Clink... Clink...
This was the usual routine, not that it was unpleasant. It was simply that. A routine, not a torturous journey. It is just that silence that those two would agree is unnerving. Especially in space where sounds literally cannot be heard because of ironically the lack of space thereof, for it to bounce or absorb. The only place where sounds can be heard, is of course, inside the ship— Ethan's only comfort of the dread of silence of space. No communications, no radio traffic, no tapping on the shoulder, but just his suit that protects him from space.
His inner turmoil eventually reached to a boiling point when he stopped tinkering on the panel. The Eastern European man on the comms module then tapped the transceiver to get his attention, to bring him back to his senses.
"Hey, Ethan. Your not yet finished. What is up with the hold up?"
"... Just... just wondering how long we will be stuck in this situation..."
There was a moment of silence from the man, until he replied with a sigh and finally, his face was shown on the glass window of the suit transparently. His defining mustache, reminisce that of a certain Sakartvelonian man from the 20th century. Though, he is much more well built when compared to Ethan or that 20th century man from Sakartvelo.
"Look brother, let Alamon do his thing. We know that StarNet has been out for months now. Heck, at the rate this is going, we would run out of resources if we don't make planet fall on that moon."
"Yeah, yeah, I already know that part. What I mean is, when we will be going back to Venture? For a damn maintenance issue, the damned StarNet thing has been out for 9 months, Levan!"
He then continued to do his job as Levan only scratched his head, because simply put, he can't do anything about it.
"..."
Since the connection was lost nearly 9 months ago, the situation has been hectic for the lack of better term. No, the situation is far more worse than hectic without HQ guiding them, and without supplies coming their way, scarcity have began to take hold of the nearly 10 thousand souls on the moon and the space station. Protocol have to be broken, and an emergency action was taken to build a proper planetary stronghold. Exceeding the existing capabilities of the outpost being erected at the Earth-like moon. Of course, this is not recommended without proper protocol and guidance of a proper team, but it is not Impossible when it is needed. However, it is very resource intensive, especially if certain specialties are not built for planetary occupation.
Clink... Clink... Clink... Clink... Clink...
This of course is even more profound with the sudden cut-off. Followed by the another cut-off of the Local AI from Venture aboard the ship, but luckily, the station has an in-built AI to take control of the station if that situation does happens. This of course was a red flag, because that meant not only the StarNet system is offline, but of course, the AI itself. Which meant that something happened to the AI for that to happen, or perhaps even... The World SAI was activated. Which the redirection of resources is needed to house such a powerful entity. For a colonial world, is not easy as infrastructure isn't specifically built to house one.
Still, no matter what the speculation was, the team have already concluded that something happened to the StarNet Relay System, and there is nothing they could do about it, but wait for anything that helps them reconnect. Because unfortunately, what they have is a transceiver without a relay station. Meaning, though it can broadcast in incredibly large distances in instantaneous speeds, while also receiving anything in that range, it can only go as far as the next star system without a relay. Then again, even if there was a relay station, another problem would be if Venture's transceivers are operational. If not, well, they are in that current exact situation.
No support.
No guidance.
No communication.
And most importantly;
Isolated.
Isolated in the middle of nowhere, with the closest signs of civilization being 5 light years away, which is Venture. With even the closest proper civilization, is about 278 light years away. Which is NGC 5897. Short on paper, but without FTL capable ships and infrastructure, even Venture becomes a tall wall that cannot be almost overcome with mere wave of a hand. It'll be like the times at the late 20th century and early 21st century, when even trying to go to Alpha Centauri was a herculean task.
Luckily however, everyone have already accepted that possibility when they ventured to man's frontier. Unfortunately however, there are some that could not accept that fact. Of course one of them was—
"Ethan, thanks for fixing the panels. Now get inside and get some fresh, augmented air!"
"You seriously need to add that detail?"
"Why not~? Doesn't it liven up the mood~? Hm~? Hm~?"
"... (Bastard)." Ethan whispered as he confirmed his intention to get inside the station. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. I want to get myself some beer after this fucking mess..."
"Why not some Sakartvelo wine? I got one from my far relatives there on Earth. They're quite a drink for even those guys back at home, an- Huh?..." Levan's sudden trail off immediately got Ethan's attention as his face on Ethan's HUD was focused on the computer with a perplexed expression on his face.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Hey, Levan. What's up?"
"It's... There's a communication signature on the direction where Venture is... Though the information is very late, there is oddly a large concentration of it. To the point our sensors have picked it up..."
"Wait, ships?! Does that mean HQ have finally got their support from the NGC 5897 Interstellar Port?!"
"To be honest, it's too good to be true brother..."
"Eh? How come? I thought Alliance ships are only present in this part of space? The closest independent system is the closest star to NGC 5897, which is even much further! And I doubt they would come here with their outdated FTL ships and infrastructure."
"Obviously, we're only one outside of this frontier. Those blasted pirates are not going to come near a planet with IPMs on the front, so I doubt its them either..."
"!!!"
Then a realisation hit on Ethan. Just as Levan said, only the major navies are present on the Edge. NGC 5897 is one of those major bases where every major navy ships can dock, and also a conjunction point of the Edge. As it is the only star system in the Edge with the installation of a SkyJump System, that could connect anybody back to proper civilization. However, there is a major caveat, because that means no ships would be able to easily skip through many star systems, if the only safe way to that is through NGC 5897. Which also meant that every ship's signatures are catalogue, as being isolated, they are easy to register and reference when determining their legal status or their general information.
"Wait a second... Are you trying to say that..."
In other words, that's why pirates could not just diddly daddle along the equivalent of the Wild West in the Edge. Special circumstances are the only way pirates can exploit planets and ships, and since their ships are just preexisting models that are modified to almost work and not explode. They are easy to categorized. With the help of relay stations, even more so. Which is why Levan's concentration and concern of the information he received is something to definitely worry about. As that only leads to one conclusion.
"Unknown signatures... And... A general call of emergency activation of Operation Invicta..."
"..."
"Operation... Invicta...?"
Fear and dread immediately fall upon the two on the station as Ethan utter those two words that have brought dread to anybody alive and born after the last century. The information that was being extracted began to be downloaded and analysed by the station AI with haste. Opening terabyte after terabytes worth of information as it quickly recategorized every single detail on what is going on, on the events that just transpired.
"ETHAN! GET INSIDE RIGHT NOW!"
Levan immediately dialed the broadcast to general for all of the people on the moon and station to hear as much as possible. Meanwhile, Ethan hurriedly scurries into the ship, as he uses his onboard thrusters to quickly get in the desired area. Adrenaline pumping, as they realised what kind of dire situation they are currently in. A situation, they are not prepared to counteract with failsafes at all.
"[This is Head Communications Officer, Levan Bolkvadze. I have an emergency announcement to make in this situation. Please inform all staff onboard or on post to be awake and are nearby to any communication equipment. This is an important broadcast from System 698-Beta, with the official stamp of the Leaders of planet Venture and the approval of the planet's World SAI, Venture 698-Beta. I repeat, get to a nearby communication equipment to listen to this emergency broadcast.]"
Operation Invicta. Is a rather ancient term in the land of the Republic. No man on any planet has never heard of the infamous Operation Invicta, as mentioning that word alone has gave many different reactions on many individuals; Fear, hope, awe, hatred, nationalism, terrorism, etcetera. As that word only applies to the territories held by the Republic and her allies. Why it is feared when compared to Defense One by the Union, is because how it is applied, and why some war colleges pointed out; "What is a step above Defense One, and a whole ladder preparing for its fall". As stated; "When all possible scenarios are lost, total defense is a must for a pyrrhic victory."
"[I am very sorry to announce this, but we have gained some information on what happened with Venture. However, it is through an emergency relay probe that have recently got out of the star system... Base on that fact alone, there is only one conclusion to bring that in. Venture is in a brink of a existential crisis. We don't know how long they have left, but that means we could not contact Venture from this day forth. Operation Invicta is already it's top priority upon recovery of the message... It is now not far off to conclude that by the time help has come, Venture may be lost as a planet, and as a stronghold.]"
Be it the civilians, rich, poor, young, old, women, or children, all must call to arms to protect their land with their blood, sweat, and tears. It's a suicidal defence, mostly done in order to buy time for the proper counter to build up and attack the weakened attackers. This strategy is very costly, but yields the most of a victory for the defender, even at the midst of such tragic and massive lost of millions that it could dye the river of the Great Mississippi to blood red. Most importantly, that meant in a planet without any escape of the unknown signatures, it is inevitable for that decision to come to be. Because if they are alone in the station currently, how much more of the besieged Venture, whom it's only contact point is a outpost colony for backup?
"[Base on the reports, our planet Venture is being attacked by unknown signatures of unknown in design, and unknown in origin. Ladies and gentlemen, we are at a midst of a First Contact War, and we are most likely to be next on the list once they are finished. I repeat, we are not attacked by some rogue independent planet, nor by pirates, nor by terrorist, but by Xenophobic Aliens, brothers and sisters! This is not off a science fiction movie! We are on an actual First Contact protocol! And we are next if we don't do anything! Hey! Head Research Officer Representative Joske! Give us the protocol to enact approval of weapons usage!]"
Of course, that situation applies to them. When it comes to defense, they are immediately worse off than Venture. If Venture failed at their defense with the emergency launching of a secured transceiver to deep space, how much more can 10 thousand souls do in a space station and a moon?
"[Bzzt-BzzzzzZZZZZT! Officer Levan, I heard you. So stop screaming at the mic. Your causing panic to the folks here, instead of order. Please mind the tone and language of your broadcast.]"
"[Urk-!... Sorry Head Research Representative. That was unprofessional of me. But we need to make a decision now.]"
Of course, that is, if they even have time. Though the fast probe have escaped the star system's field in record time. They don't know exactly how long it has been since the attack has happened. There are records and estimates of the attack and it's potential ending, however, that is just that, potentials and speculations. Upon the report, the Xenos haven't even made planet fall to Venture, and it's last report was the Xenos approaching the Swarovski Line. Also known as 698-Beta's 9th planet, Novela-9. There are many speculations that Levan could think, but the way it is now, it is not good idea to jump the gun.
"[I know Officer Levan, do not worry. We have recovered the information that has been uploaded to the system, and are currently deciding the next course of action. Thank you for monitoring the situation. We will now take it from here, please disconnect the server route back to private, please.]"
Either way, they are also in the same position. They almost nothing to protect them, and the only ships capable of protecting them are two Colonial Frigates of the Burke-Class from the Union. The same class as the ship that will be probably be outnumbered on Venture, and possibly, be have sunk already. Aside from the frigates, they have no weapons. They only have Level 1 Direct Weapons, which are only used for asteroid and planet sampling. They have no missiles and kinetics, their only strong point is a strong communication system. However, it is no use if they can't contact anybody. They are not even sure if the Xeno's sensors can be hacked or jammed, so they can't use it to blind them.
"[Understood, Head Representative! We would await for your conclusion of the meeting. In the meantime, I would like everybody to proceed to gather up your respective belongings and research data. Groups pertaining on the station and on the moon will proceed to their respective roles on the emergency Planet Fall Initiative. Thank you for listening to this broadcast attentively...]"
Levan could not honestly think of any solutions. He simply has no idea what to do, especially while skimming the data from the emergency probe. The Xenos are practically outnumbering them, and they have the technology to jam into most equipment of Venture. They aren't merciful either, they destroy and kill anything in their path without even stopping to communicate surrender to their side. They are literally the stereotypical ALIENS of a sci-fi movie that kills anything. The worse kind of trope ever brought to real life! Levan doesn't know what he can do of his friends and family members living on Venture. For all he know, the planet may have been ashed by the Xenos already! And he is just having a false hope that everybody's okay! Of course they aren't okay, because the Xenos didn't even hesitated to ashed Novela-9 without any remorse.
"[...]"
At the same time the Head Representative have replied to him, Ethan have arrived with a sweaty and horrified look on his face. Both of them, whom have read a glimpse of the data knows that hope is not easy to obtain currently. They are technologically, strategically, and monstrously outnumbered by the unknown, unmerciful Xenos. There is literally nothing they could do. Escape? The Xenos could detect their trail and kill them. Defend? Their outdated Colonial Frigates will literally be just paper, and their Level 1 Direct Weapons, even if they travel at the speed of light, will literally be just useless. Surrender? They would be massacred for all they know, and be enslaved at the worse, and at worst, be used as experimental subjects for who knows what.
It is a bleak, short future. However, giving up is obviously not an option. Because if the rest of mankind could know of the tragedy at Venture, then they will die with ignorance of a uncaring entity.
Sigh...
With a weak smile, Levan made his one final message to give people some form of hope before finally putting the server to private.
"[May Aperture guide us.]"
----------------------------------------
"May... Religiosa... Guide us!..."
A Religiosa foot soldier beg of their goddess,
STOMP!
before a gigantic, metallic figure.
SPLATTER!
Crushed his view to darkness,
CRACKED!
thus,
CRUNCH!
fulfilling his life goal,
CREAK!
of serving Religiosa,
"KI'HHHHHTTT!!"
till the very end.
"WAIT! DON'T COME ANY CLOSER! DON'T! D-"
Glory and Death.
STOMP!