Episode 39. First Strike
Context
- Coordinated Universal Time
- Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - 15:54
- Location
-
- Space
- Earth Orbit
- USS Enterprise
- Bridge
- Timeline
- Unknown Timeline
- Previously
-
After Agnes is appointed to command the USS Enterprise, the crew finds its footing aboard the new vessel: organizing stations, adjusting to the imposed uniforms, and uncovering heavy secrets tied to Area 51 and alien technologies. Admiral Michaux then launches the first mission: retaking control of the satellites in Earth orbit. The Enterprise, designated flagship of NATO's Special Fleet, has left spacedock at the head of a convoy of Nauvoo-class vessels.
Characters
| Name | Affiliation / Branch | Title / Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Agnes V. Rodriguez | NATO / Special Fleet | Captain |
| Angie Chen | NATO / Special Fleet | Commander |
| Eric Corda | NATO / Special Fleet | Lieutenant Commander |
| Emilie Flores | NATO / Special Fleet | Ensign |
| Charlene Savea | NATO / Special Fleet | Lieutenant |
Manifest
| USS Enterprise | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | NATO |
| Location | Earth Orbit |
| Captain | Agnes V. Rodriguez |
| First Officer | Angie Chen |
| Pilot | Eric Corda |
| Communications | Emilie Flores |
| Operations | Charlene Savea |
| Tactical | Eric Corda Charlene Savea |
| Science | N/A |
| Advanced Weapons | Eros Vitos |
| Infirmary | Victor S. Calpel |
| Counselor/Consultant | Manu |
| Custodian | Manu |
TL;DR
In Earth orbit, just as the mission appears to be going well, the USS Washington is suddenly pulverized by invisible fire. Red alert: the Enterprise prepares its defenses and tries to identify the attacker. Soon, the enemy reveals itself: the mysterious vessel seen over Brussels appears directly ahead. The confrontation is imminent.
Story
Captain Agnes Rodriguez's log.
The Enterprise is making its inaugural flight and has taken the lead of a convoy made up of around ten Nauvoo-class vessels.
Our mission is to secure Earth orbit while the other units retake control of the satellites.
Unlike our previous Earth-Moon trip aboard the Mercator, which lasted nearly three days, this crossing at full capacity took only about fifty minutes.
Lt. Cmdr. Eric Corda (Pilot)
Captain, we are approaching Earth orbit.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Excellent, Mr. Corda.
Wait for the Nauvoos to take position.
Stabilize us so the entire convoy remains within our intervention perimeter.
Lt. Cmdr. Eric Corda (Pilot)
Maneuvers in progress, Captain.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Flores, maintain permanent contact with each Nauvoo.
Ens. Emilie Flores (Communications)
Aye, Captain.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Savea, deploy surveillance probes across the entire area.
Lt. Charlene Savea (Operations)
Probes released, Captain.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
What are the scans of Earth's surface showing?
Lt. Charlene Savea (Operations)
Zero visibility, Captain.
The radioactive clouds are still extremely dense.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Thank you, Savea.
That means if we cannot observe the surface...
Then the ground cannot see us either.
Lt. Charlene Savea (Operations)
I cannot confirm that hypothesis, Captain.
That would normally fall within the science station's duties.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
I know, Savea.
When we return to the starbase, I will recruit a specialized officer.
The Enterprise is in the middle of the operation to neutralize the rival powers' satellites and repair NATO satellites. The hours pass, communications follow one after another. Everything seems under control.
Then, without the slightest warning signal, a white explosion crosses the forward bay.
I feel the vibration rise through the deck.
The blast strikes the hull.
The USS Washington, Captain Elias Warren's vessel, which was working nearby, breaks apart before our eyes. Within seconds, nothing remains but a mass of incandescent debris and signals going dark one by one.
On the bridge, no one speaks.
Then the first debris strikes our hull with a dull rumble.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Savea, red alert. Shields, now!
Corda, hold our position!
Number One, activate weapons systems!
Flores, inform the fleet: withdrawal maneuver, immediately!
Lt. Charlene Savea (Operations)
Captain, there is nothing on our radars!
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Did the shot come from the planet's surface?
Lt. Charlene Savea (Operations)
Negative, Captain.
If that were the case, we would have detected it earlier.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Keep scanning, Savea.
What do our probes say?
Lt. Charlene Savea (Operations)
They detect nothing, Captain...
But they recorded the energy shot that destroyed Captain Warren's vessel.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Calculate the source position from the trajectory.
Then scan the area.
Lt. Charlene Savea (Operations)
Calculations in progress, Captain.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Flores, tell Vitos to launch two DXS and position them over the area Savea is determining.
It is time to test this new toy.
Ens. Emilie Flores (Communications)
Message sent, Captain.
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
It is there, somewhere.
It is watching us.
Lt. Cmdr. Eric Corda (Pilot)
What are you saying, Captain?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Stay alert, Corda.
In the corridors of the Enterprise, the sirens sound.
Personnel rush to battle stations.
On the bridge, Angie, Charlene, and Eric frantically try to identify the origin of the attack that led to the destruction of the USS Washington and its one hundred and thirty crew members.
The screens and radars are watched with feverish attention, in the hope of locating this invisible enemy.
Then, emerging from nowhere, our mysterious attacker appears.
Lt. Cmdr. Eric Corda (Pilot)
Captain, the enemy is straight ahead.
What are your orders?
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Do not move, Corda.
It is our old friend from Brussels...
The Aragthonian.
Lt. Cmdr. Eric Corda (Pilot)
The what, Captain?!
Capt. Agnes V. Rodriguez
Number One, load all torpedo tubes!
Cmdr. Angie Chen (Number One)
Five torpedoes loaded and ready to launch on your order, Captain.