BTHB: Sector 13 : Operation Icarus!.

[Captainguy42]

"Move! Move! I want those cells intsalled on the double! We're on a tight schedule and every minute counts!" Extra yelled to his borrowed crew as he started work on the thrusters. Out of all the crews his was the most hurried, Extra had planned to use every second they gave him to upgrade the Sakkara and he showed it. He hadn't slept at all, currently he was just running on caffeine tablets, he had only ever-stopped to drink water after he collapsed from dehydration, but then he went straight back to work.

"Patrick, how are those navigational shields comeing?"

"Their installed, testing now... There all green! How are the thrusters?"

"I've got two more then I'll move on,"

Extra had gained a healthy amount of respect for the UPD engineers he was working with over the last few hours. Never had a single one of them asked him what was a Freelancer doing giving them orders, they understood, UPD or Freelancer they were all professionals on one project and that was all that mattered.

"O'Brien tell your boys that when I come back I'll buy all a round of drink!"

"Here that boys! Now I don't want to hear that our new pal Extra died because of your shoddy work! Keep working and check your welds!!"

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

Roach poured over the data that streamed from the navigation computer. The new maps and courses had been plotted in and integrated in the the ships library. He zoomed into the region marked, "Free Zone, Helios Belt". This was the region the Admiral had mentioned had the least amount of magnetic radiation that could interfere with a ships Ward drive, it was through here he had to take the ship into the other side. At first glance the passage appeared sufficient to cross even at sub-warp but he knew that the Helios belt stretched for light years. It would take several months to do so and even the heavy debris and radiation would be too risky for the Ship's hull and her systems, not to mention the radiation could affect the occupants as well.

Beyond the Free Zone was the sector designated as 09. The maps revealed several small, inhospitable planets that boarded the Belt.The sector adjacent to that was 13. Roach stared at the computer generated lines that arbitrarily distinguished its boarders from the other sectors that surrounded it.

"Sector 13!" he muttered to himself. "What is your secret?" he asked as if expecting the computer to respond. He looked at his watch, there was a little under 6 hours left. The Sakkara's navigational computers had been updated and a diagnostic was underway. Judging by the flashing green lights it was evident that the systems were all functioning.

"Roach to Captain, navigational systems are up and running sir. Diagnostics are still underway. I will need the engines, thrusters and the Warp Core to come online for me to run a complete diagnostic though" he spoke into his communicator.

Checking on the cockpit one last time he got out of his seat and made his way to the engine room.

"Hey Extra!" he called out. "What the ETA on those engines?. I'll need all systems to power up if I am to test the guidance controls and Warp computers"

 

[Bibliomancer]

Walter was getting his gear ready. He made sure he had his pistol and knife along with his ammo. The orders he had received to accompany the crew had surprised him, as it wasn't generally his type of work, but he figured that high command had a reason for whatever they were doing. Still, he wanted his weapons in easy reach. He didn't trust the Freelancers, not that that was surprising, he didn't trust anybody. "I suppose it will be an experience whatever happens." Walter said to himself. The mission seemed rather hush hush, and in his experience, that generally meant that it was something pretty big. "Maybe even bigger than what we were told." He thought to himself. "Best to be ready." Walter concluded. With that, he went back to counting bullets.

 

[Shapsters]

Mike had woken up this morning knowing what day it was. He barely slept, he kept thinking about being under the command of this freelancer captain. He pounded his alarm clock with his fist, it crumbled and stopped beeping. He crawled out of his bed and went into the bathroom, 20 minutes later emerged, fully clothed and ready for the day ahead.

He swiftly walked though his ship, his crew members were silent, knowing to not say anything to him. Watching the repairs on the Sakkara, thoughts were running through his head, this was the beginning of 2 months of hell.

 

[Spicy meatball]

"Captain, we have an issue with the small arms. Our weapon lockers cannot hold too much equipment and the cargo hold is full of food and other supplies. So I have restricted the weapons to 9 UPD assault rifles and four magazine clips per person, in accordance with Major Kelly's wishes. Just a heads up, each clip holds 25 bullets, so each person has a 100 rounds to use.

I personally think that this is less than sufficient for our mission, but given our time restraint we don't have much of a choice. It would take too long to get new supplies from the next UPD cruiser that's scheduled to cross this sector.

I recommend that everyone who comes aboard the Sakkara to count their existing ammo and weapon type and note it on the ships log. This is not so much so as a security measure but it'll be easier to keep track of the weapons and ammo that way. Marcus out".

Marcus turned to the loading crew and thanked them for their efforts before dismissing them. He then walked to the small clipboard attached near the small arms locker door and began writing something on it

[HEADING=1]Weapons Manifest[/HEADING]​

In Small Arms Locker

9- Assault rifles with x2 magnification scopes. [36 magazine clips (144 rounds)]
2- Demolition packs [2 charges and 1 radio frequency detonator]
3- Stun guns [14 electo charges]
8- Night vision and Infrared goggles

Personal Firearms

Marcus Briggston: 1x Combat shotgun. 2 clips (15 shells each)

Spoiler: OOC

I guess you don't have to declare what firearms your carrying, since this isn't customs or anything. Thought it might be easier to catalog it, if we end up having to count the bullets used. Just an idea. If you are declaring you own personal weapons, then I guess you can just add it in to the list, at least from the "personal firearms" section. The one above are my choices to stock the Sakkara with.

 

[Captainguy42]

"Ok Roach, the engines are online, but the thrusters are still being installed, And Marcus! I'm packing a standard pistol, 3 clips, 12 rounds per clip. Also I'm uploading the upgraded specs to the computer now."

[HEADING=1]

Manifest of UPD Upgrades​

[/HEADING]

Engine Output - 25% speed increase.
Warp Core Jump Calculator - Plasma consumption reduce 28%
Internal Powerplant - Increased main and reserve power supplies.
Thrust Vectoring Nacelles - 55% increase in maneuverability.
Navigational Shields - Increased protection from debris.
Long Range Fuel Cells - Increased fuel capacity.

 

[ravensshade]

"Captain weapons calibration is not yet possible since the reserve power for weapons is still being installed. I'll upload the specs to the computer later." Issaria radioed as she walked past the weapons locker and wrote her weapon on the personal firearms list

issaria Solia 1x m16 (assault rifle) 5 clips 30 bullets each

she then walked to the computer and uploaded under the UPD Upgrades Manifest

Plasma Turret Sensors (Increases firing accuracy)

Munition Rounds (increases damage done by turrets)

Weapon Coolant Systems (increases firing rate)

flak batteries (increases forward cannon range and damage)

Weapons Reserve Power (maintains additional power in weapons during emergencies)

Incendiary Ammunition (increase range and power of rear cannons)

 

[Zombie_Fish]

"All the supplies we currently have have been secured, all we're waiting for is that final package to arrive." Jamie said over the intercom, before thinking of something else to say. "Everyone listen up. Whilst we still need the ship in top condition before departing, we also need ourselves ready as well. As soon as any of you have any free time I want you guys making sure that you haven't left anything on this ship, because we probably won't be returning for a long time and we won't go back for anything we've forgotten. The same goes for the UPD agents travelling with us, as we will not be heading back here any time soon.

Following that he walked over to the weapons locker and added his name to the list:

1 Desert Eagle (handgun). 10 clips 8 bullets each.

Following that, he then walked over to the computer. "I'll upload the supplies to the computer now but I'll need to come back later to finish it off."

[HEADING=1]Supplies Manifest[/HEADING]​

4 Medical Kits

8 Blood Coagulants

1 Crate of Dry Food Rations

1 Crate of Liquid Supplies

1 Crate of Painkiller Spary and Revival Kits (Still To Arrive)

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

"Copy that Extra!" Roach nodded to him. "Well, if it isn't up within the hour we are going to have to do a live test then. For now I can only run a diagnostics on the engines and warp core" he patted the engineer on the back before walking off to the weapons locker.

Logan "Roach" Driscol
x1 .500 magnum revolver. 20 clips, 6 bullets in chamber

"Captain, I am uploading the Sakkara's navigational upgrades now" he said contacting Alexis.

[HEADING=1]Navigational Upgrades[/HEADING]​

Inertia Dampers [Improved space flight stability & dynamics]

Navigational Computer [Decreases Navigational Response Time]

Constellation Positioning System [Increases Scanner Range]

Drift Cartography Library [Increased Warp Jump Range]

Polarized Navigational Command System [Ability to uplink with Navigational Computers on other ships]

 

[Dragonearl]

ATTENTION ALL DECKS!. THIS IS A DECK WIDE ANNOUNCEMENT! ​

There was a burst of static that erupted form the speakers as the microphone was passed from the announcer to another person. There was a momentary pause.

"This is Admiral William Troy of UPD High Command. Crew of the Sakkara, your 48 hours is nearly upon you. I hope that you have made satisfactory progress in your repairs and upgrades, unfortunately I need the crew of the Thantos back at their stations to resume their paid duties as soon as possible. I also need you out there, at sector 13 as soon as possible. I am not very good with long speeches, so I am going to keep this short.

I understand that this is a big undertaking for you lot but the lives of many are in your hands and potentially the lives of the entire galaxy as well. I wish you all the best of luck and a safe journey to and from the Helios Belt. May you find all the crew you are searching for and may you find the answers to all the questions you know you are asking yourselves. The blessing of the UPD and the people if the Core planets are with you. I wish you good speed on your endeavor and may you return back to us safely.

Captain Alexis, you are in charge of this operation. I have given strict instruction to all UPD officers and vessels between here and the edge of the galaxy to not interfere with your ship, crew or your mission. To the other members of the Sakkara, may you all perform as admirably as you all have. Your actions will decide the fates of many as well as your own. Be alert, be safe.

Captain Mike and Specialist Walter, you are assigned to the Sakkara to protect her and her crew. You are also expected to conduct a full investigation into the disappearance of the UPD vessels as well as assist in any rescue operations that may be underway. Your commanding officer is now Captain Alexis.

Finally, I say this to you all. You are about to venture into a region a few has ever been into. A region, that as far as we know is inhospitable and dangerous. We hope that you will be successful in this venture, so for one last time, good luck!. Rendezvous back with the Thantos, in this sector once you have completed your mission..and yes, Captain Mike, you will have your ship back.

Admiral Troy out!

 

[Zombie_Fish]

Jamie heard the speech over the intercom. He didn't like the sound of it at all, they still needed one crate secured and all the help possible at loading it. Of all the times you could've taken them away from us. This isn't going to go well unless we can get that crate stored as soon as possible. He thought when he recieved a message.

"What?"

"Just to tell you, the final crate has just arrived."

"Finally!" he said sarcastically as he ran off to get this final crate for their expedition. "Listen up people, if you have nothing else to do I need some serious help. We still have one case, which has just arrived and Troy has just taken away all of the soldiers that were assissting us, so I'm on my own with this currently and we need this crate secured on the ship before leaving." he called out over the intercom before getting to the crate.

Quickly dammit!

 

[Shapsters]

Mike walked to the weapons storage, he filled up on bullets, grenade launchers and batteries. He continued mumbling to himself as he walked back to the Sakkara, the hours were counting down and Mike's time on his ship was depleting.

In a way however he was excited, he would be part of a rescue mission, he was going to a part of the galaxy few have ever gone before. Perhaps he should keep less of a sour attitude about the whole thing. But then he saw Alexis, the face of his new commanding officer. His mood quickly went back to the way it was before.

 

[Spicy meatball]

Marcus heard Jamie's announcement over the intercom. Looking to make sure that his cargo was secure, he pressed a button on the Sakkara's intercom and spoke to the remaining crew.

"Copy that Jamie, I'll meet you on the cargo deck to help transport the last bit of supplies. If anyone else is free on board, you might as well come and help us. Marcus out"

He did one last check on the weapons manifest and then bolted to the cargo area where Jamie was waiting for him.

"Alright Doc, what needs moving?"

 

[Dragonearl]

Alexis turned to see Captain Mike approach. This is going to go well!, he muttered under his breath. "Hello and welcome to the Sakkara!" he began. "She is now the fastest ship in the Epeius Galaxy. Please watch you head as you board the ship and remember the emergency exits, which are located there, there and there" he gestured wildly along the hull of the ship.

"Please note that there will be no in flight entertainment throughout this voyage or food brought to your door. Supper is served at 7:30 Ships Standard Time and you will come to the dining quarters to receive it. The passenger rooms are located on the lower deck near the aft section of the craft. You may keep you luggage with you or store it in the cargo hold if there is space available. Good day and thank you!...oh and gears up in 15 minutes. I suggest you get ready for departure and say your goodbyes as soon as possible".

Alexis forced a smile out of his lips as he spoke to Captain Mike. Oh yeah!, real pleasant trip!.

 

[Shapsters]

Mike was not amused by Alexis, he found his 'jokes' neither funny nor entertaining. He let out a low growl noise as Alexis spoke and threw his bag in the direction of the ship. He began walking toward the ship, he said nothing to his crew members, and they most certainly said nothing to him.

He walked to the door of the ship, the moment he entered the ship, he was no longer Captain Mike Komisarik. Entering the ship made him Mike Komisarik, the crew member of a Freelancer ship. Under the command of this Alexis character who was unqualified and should not be in command of him.

Mike stepped into the ship.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

Jamie pointed at the large crate that had just arrived. "See that? That is a crate of painkiller spray and revival kits, and we need to get it onto the ship in the next few minutes." He put his hands under one end of the crate "People can help us out as we go along but we need to get started now." The two of them then tried to lift the crate up and started attempting to haul it down the corridor by just the two of them for now.

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

Roach locked the cockpit door behind him as he entered the walkway leading to the recreational area. He was still uncomfortable with UPD officers on board but those were the wishes of the Admiral and his captain. It would take awhile getting used to their presence but for now he wasn't taking any chances. He nodded politely to Mike as he walked up to the former captain of the Thantos.

"Welcome aboard the good ship Sakkara. If your not too busy perhaps you can lend us a helping hand. Two of the crew are trying to haul the last of our medical supplies on board, think you can give us a hand?. I'm on my way there now" he said patting Mike on the shoulder before exiting the craft.

"Is the crate heavy?" he called with a grin seeing Jamie and Marcus edging their way to the cargo bay with a large crate between them.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

Jamie turned my head in what can only be described as an awkward position at Roach's sarcastic question. "Haha very funny. Now if you can just grab one of the sides that would make it a lot easier." He responded whilst trying to make space for Roach to get a side of it.

He tried to prop up his side on his leg whilst waiting for Roach to grab a side before carrying on. "We're almost at the Sakkara now. Is everyone ready to depart, because as soon as this is secured on board and I have updated the manifest, we have to be leaving, otherwise Admiral Troy may get annoyed at our time wasting, okay?"

 

[Shapsters]

Mike turned around and followed Roach, he grabbed a side of the crate and help the other men life it toward the ship. He may not like the idea of going on this expedition, but he was a member of the ship now. All members of a ship must contribute to the ship.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

The four people eventually managed to get the crate onto the Sakkara and into the storage room. Jamie shook his arms in relief of this work.

"Okay people, now we need to get it secured in place." Thankfully, with the four of them working together that only took a few minutes to do. Following that, Jamie ran off to the nearest computer.

"Right, all I need to do now is sort out the manifest." He said as he went onto the computer and upgraded the supplies manifest:

[HEADING=1]Supplies Manifest[/HEADING]​

4 Medical Kits

8 Blood Coagulants

1 Crate of Dry Food Rations

1 Crate of Liquid Supplies

1 Crate of Painkiller Spary and Revival Kits

Jamie then went onto his intercom "Okay people, the final crate is now in and I have now sorted out the supplies manifest. I'm ready for lift off now. Is everyone else ready, as like I have said before, we won't be coming back, so anything you have left lying about on the Thantos you will need to pick up in the next few minutes before we leave. Jamie out."