2095.08.04
Captain's log, August 4, 2095.
The outcasts of numerous factions are working together. They have formed a renegade faction, calling themselves the Cult of Sons. The Terran Republic, the United Socialist Provinces, the Itnoah Dominion, and others are grouped around their own differing values and ideals. Such formations were necessary after the Great Cleansing. For most, it was a matter of survival. But the Cult of Sons fits neither of these molds. They prefer to forge their own path. Other than this, their goals and methods are rather enigmatic. Until recently we had only minimal evidence linking their small group to certain political and criminal activities.
Captain Shamus Stevenson's ideals did not align with U.S.P. edicts. In retrospect, we see his defection to the Cult was well planned years in advance. He even personally hand picked every member of his crew, those he knew he could trust in the defection. With the sudden loss of an Achilles class ship the U.S.P. naval channels have been very active of late, and their security measures a bit lacking. We learned of the price placed on his head as well as his last known trajectory. Our intelligence suggests he intends to join with the Cult at an unknown location in the asteroid belt. It is our belief that Stevenson intends to assume a high post within their military hierarchy.
Our assignment is to locate and intercept him before he is joined by any of his new friends. Our bargaining position will be much stronger if we find him first, alone. Persuading him to join the Republic's cause would prove invaluable to us. Otherwise, the aged Achilles is no match for the Tavor. And I have the fortune of going into battle with an exemplary crew, while Stevenson commands a ship of traitors.
The Republic and the U.S.P. now share a similar score to settle with the Cult of Sons. He'll feel the pressure of both factions when we find him, if only because our agendas coincide for a brief moment. I personally would like nothing better than to destroy the turncoat, but we would benefit just as much from an additional ship and the information we would gain from him as would the Cult. I intend to see that the U.S.P.'s loss is the Republic's gain. With any luck the traitor who betrayed the Republic will be part of his welcoming committee.
2095.08.05
A bloodhound probe has found Stevenson. Its signal has ceased so I have to assume he destroyed the probe, and now knows someone is close by, searching for him. His Cult comrades would not have sent a probe. In that section of the asteroid belt there are only a few locations where he could meet an ally undetected at this range. We have altered course to that area and could intercept him within 16 hours.
2095.08.06
We're too late. As of 0400 this morning the Achilles is accompanied by a Cult escort, sure enough. Stevenson is flanked by a Magnus and a Tavor class cruiser. Whatever her new designation, it's the U.S.S. Independence, same Tavor the Cult of Sons acquired from us, along with her treacherous captain Quincy Stevoni. Other United System ships have been alerted but we can't wait for them to arrive. We have to engage now before they escape. I'll have to destroy the other two ships first, then hopefully Stevenson will have the sense to listen. Stevoni is our biggest threat at the moment. He's very capable, and there's no hope of him returning to the Republic, not after what he was willing to do to leave in the first place.
The crew is at general quarters. The three enemy ships are well out of our range at this time. They refuse to respond to hails. We're closing in at steady speed, slowly enough to keep our power and resources primed. Let's see what this trio is made of.
2095.08.06
Stevoni has broken away from the escort and is proceeding to intercept us at full speed. He's alone and unguarded. This is the opportunity I've been waiting for.
"Helm, intercept that Tavor. Speed full."
"Aye, Captain."
"Charge the main guns. Tactical, I want that traitor out of my sky as quickly as possible."
"Aye, sir. Charging main cannon."
"Keep us steady Lieutenant, and get us close to that ship."
"Aye, sir."
"Target has fired Missiles, sir."
"Launch Counter Measures."
"Aye, sir. Counter Measures away."
"I want maximum impact from the cannon."
"Firing back to the target. Enemy defenses have mitigated some damage."
"Fire the cannon as soon as you get the chance. How long?"
"Main cannon will be ready in 3,..., 2,..., 1,... Scatter shot away."
"Report!"
"Heavy damage to the enemy, sir."
"Proceed with the second phase."
"Crush Pulse firing now, Captain."
...
2095.08.06
It was a bit surprising to see Stevoni destroyed so quickly. In fact, the quick annihilation of the Tavor would make the other two ships more cautious, but also more apprehensive. I may have already won this engagement. Still no response to communication from either ship. We are heading for the Magnus now.
"The Brutus Magnus is entering range, captain."
"Helm, close our distance."
"Moving closer, aye, sir."
"The enemy has fired torpedoes, captain."
"Reactive Armor has absorbed some of the impact, and reciprocated back to the enemy, captain."
"Damage report."
"We've taken some hull damage to the lower decks, no casualties reported, all systems still online."
"Fire when ready, full spread."
"Incoming, sir."
"Keep us in close range."
"Reactive Armor performing optimally, sir. Heavy damage to the Magnus but we'll also sustained significant damage."
"We've got her. Destroy that ship."
"Aye captain, missiles away."
"The Magnus has lost propulsion and weapons systems, sir. She's adrift, captain. Destruction is imminent."
"Bring us into range of the Achilles before the Magnus explodes."
"Aye, captain."
"I want a full casualty and damage report asap. We can pick up survivors from the other ships on our way back."
2095.08.06
The Achilles is now alone. The Tavor and Brutus Magnus are destroyed but we've also taken significant damage. The crew is performing admirably. I have every confidence we can complete our mission. I don't believe Stevenson is likely to engage us now. His new comrades are fallen and it's doubtful the Cult would have sent any other ships to meet him. He's isolated and still outmatched, despite our present condition. Yet he continues to ignore attempts at communication. He'd be a fool to do what I think he's doing.
"Lieutenant, any response from the Achilles?"
"Still nothing, captain."
"Then it appears we have no choice. Pursue the enemy, helm. Full speed on present course."
"Full speed, aye captain."
"Fire when ready."
"Firing. Direct hit, heavy damage, sir!"
"The Achilles is returning fire, captain!"
"Damage report."
"We're taking heavy damage, sir. Armor has failed. The hull is breached on all lower decks."
"Incoming again, captain, multiple shots fired!"
"Launch a bloodhound with the most recent data logs aboard. I want a record of this to make it back to Mars. At least they'll know what really...
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