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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Oct 16, 2013 14:51:13 GMT -5
-= File Encryption Enabled =-
The official story is that I was sent to inspect the security on an Oberth. I'm not sure how anyone who knows me could believe that. The truth is, I've been asked to help with weapon trials on the Charger. She's one of theAvenger class, which up until recently has been a fairly well-guarded secret. I won't bore you with the operational details, but it's been a fun three weeks.
Last week, they sent us on a mission deeper into the Beta Quadrant. I'd hoped we would get close enough to that comm network Voyager was using back in the 70's, but we didn't get that far. We ended up having to defend ourselves, and I gotta say the Avenger pulls her weight quite nicely. Of all the ships I've served on, the only other ship with this amount of pure firepower is the Sentinel.
Speaking of which, I just got word we're on our way to meet up with them. I have to admit I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I'll be happy to get back to my ship, but I think I'll miss the Charger too. And as much as I love the Sentinel, there's just too much suspicion there lately.
I think... I think maybe I need a vacation.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Nov 18, 2013 16:07:50 GMT -5
Well... this has been a fun ride. Iconian gateways are popping up all over the quadrant. Right now, we're standing guard in the Jourette System. Something big is coming, but I can't really talk about it on an unencrypted log. Suffice it to say that we might be out of contact for a while. I've left a couple messages for certain people, and I hope they get them soon. I know Liz would want to be here for this too. Wish me luck.
-= File Encryption Enabled =-
The Omega protocol got tripped as soon as someone tried to scan through the Jourette gateway. I'm not sure yet what's on the other side, but I already know it's going to be hell. I'm scheduling some security drills to at least try to get people ready, but there's no telling what we'll be facing on the other side. I just hope it's something we can handle.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Nov 27, 2013 20:09:49 GMT -5
We're going in, and I can't help but think we aren't ready for what's on the other side. Joy's been acting even more paranoid than usual, but I'd expect that after what's happened. I trust my teams to do their jobs... I just hope we're all up to taking on whatever is out there. Whoever is on the other side, they're advanced enough to think they can deal with Omega without destroying everything.
What I wouldn't give for a nice quiet beach right now...
Actually.... you know what? That sounds like a great idea.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Dec 17, 2013 18:40:54 GMT -5
We just had an unannounced "inspection" from Admiral Arak. Of course, the inspection was a complete farce. He barely even gave the ship a glance along the way. No... he was only there for two reasons: Voth tech, and to promote Joy to Captain. Not that there's anything wrong with either, but he really didn't need to pretend.
Not to mention that Arak has a bit of a dark reputation. Bad things seem to happen to every ship he "visits", and I hope that doesn't pass along to us. Still, our ship has a history of finding trouble anyway, so I'm sure we'll deal with whatever comes. Even so, I'm scheduling some extra drills for my people just to be sure we're ready.
And Joy... I'm not really sure what to think about that. I mean, she's been in command long enough, and had enough successful missions to her ship's name, but... I don't know. I guess it's true what they say: The crazier you are, the faster you get promoted. I love her to death, but she's definitely a little crazy.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Jan 3, 2014 13:52:28 GMT -5
-= File Encryption Enabled =-
It's done. The program has been inserted into the network, and should be fully disseminated by now. We should have results within a week, hopefully less. I just hope the effort was worth it, because we can't afford to fail.
I'll be in touch.
-= Remainder of file corrupted =-
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Jan 9, 2014 12:49:00 GMT -5
Zombies. I know, it sounds crazy, but the corpses on the Klingon ship were animated just like in those old zombie movies. They didn't actually try to attack, so I kinda feel bad about wiping them out, but I know the Klingons wouldn't have wanted their bodies to be used like that. For all our differences, I still respect them enough to send them out in a blaze of fire.
Anyway, the purpose of our little excursion was to find out what happened to them. Someone had tried to wipe their computer core, but I managed to reconstruct enough of the data to find a partial log. The log mentioned something about spirits, which I can only assume is the subspace creatures we've been dealing with. The only other thing in the log was a reference to their cloaking device, and the same frequency that we've been using with our shields. I'm starting to wonder if they might have been trying to use their cloak to stop the creatures permanently, or maybe even hide from them entirely.
Either way, it looked like they were all killed before they got the chance. I talked Joy into retrieving the cloak so we could test out that theory, but our engineers have protested. Apparently they consider salvaging a derelict ship to be piracy or something, even if the purpose is continuing our investigation. I mean, yeah it'd be nice to have a cloak, and if the Klingons don't object we could even try to integrate it into the Sentinel later. But for now, it's something to be studied, so we can stop these... things.
I'm starting to get a little worried about them, myself. We've had several incursions, but they always seem to go after someone who's alone. Since we started staying in groups, the attacks have all but stopped, but I can't help but think it's not over yet. And... I can't help but wonder if I'm next.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Jan 26, 2014 13:49:50 GMT -5
Sometimes I really hate being right about something, even if I didn't get it completely right or catch it in time. Our guest, T'lena, turned out to be working for the Tal Shiar, at least to some degree. I'm still trying to collect information and statements, but so far it looks like at least one other agent managed to avoid detection the entire time she's been aboard, possibly longer.
To make matters worse, Ensign Darza has been exposed as a sleeper agent. I never would have pegged him for that, which I have to admit means he did his job well. On one hand, I'm kicking myself for not catching them all sooner, but on the other I can't help but admire how well they managed to pull it off. We still managed to survive and repair the damage, but a lot of questions still need answers.
I'm sure I'll be facing some hard questions too. I did everything I could to keep the Sentinel secure, and still managed to let this happen. I'm... I'm already working on my resignation. It'll be easier that way.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Mar 10, 2014 9:57:30 GMT -5
I've heard it said that soldiers are like blades. Sharpened by training, and kept sharp by the action they face. I guess the comparison goes even deeper, because if you use the blade too much and too often, it will eventually break.
I'm a broken woman. I've done one of the worst things I can imagine doing, and I have no excuse. I completely misjudged the intentions of a fellow officer and fired on him. I put the entire mission, two ships, and almost a thousand people in danger, all because I saw a threat where none existed.
I'm in the brig now, by my own choice. My weapons are in the locker, and I disabled my own security clearance. I don't know what Joy or Starfleet will do to me, but I deserve whatever I get. I've screwed up too many times to be forgiven again.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Mar 25, 2014 12:44:19 GMT -5
One of the last transfers has been following me around the ship. Nobody told him to keep an eye on me. They didn't even bother to turn on the forcefield while I was in the brig. I'm not sure if the entire ship is too scared to come see me, or if they really do hate me that much. Lindsey brought me a book to read, and Joy came down to read me the riot act. The big blueberry is the only other person I've seen since the... thing happened.
At least now I know who really cares.
Blueberry kinda creeps me out though. He's always staring at me when I walk between my quarters and the bathroom. I know he's probably just making sure I don't do anything stupid, but it's still a weird feeling. It's been a long time since I've been on the receiving end. At least he didn't follow me into the shower this time.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on May 8, 2014 12:49:58 GMT -5
I finally convinced Ramirez to give me something so I can record my log entries. They won't let me use a PADD, which I can understand. So instead, I'm writing my thoughts by hand. They'll take the pen and paper away when I'm done, but at least now I can try to keep track of my thoughts.
The past couple days have felt like weeks with how slowly they've passed. My only company for most of that time has been Kovand, Josh, and Corey. On one hand, I've gotten to know the three of them better than I thought possible. That's something I never thought would happen, because despite trusting them with my life, I always tried to maintain some detachment. We're taught to separate our emotions at work, and for most of us that extends to the people around us.
Another good result is that I've had time to catch up on exercise, despite my resources being limited. It's not quite the same as full-contact sparring with Jem'hadar, but hopefully it will keep me in shape. At the very least it's keeping my guards entertained. I promised I'd show Kovand some of my moves when I get out too. I think I impressed him despite how his mate talks about me.
I think maybe that's the worst part of all this. I thought I was doing my best to keep this ship and crew safe, but some people talk about me like I'm some horrible monster. Not to my face, of course, but word gets around anyway. I've heard rumors about what happened ranging from insanity to being a spy... one person even suggested I might be Undine. It'd be funny if it weren't at least possible.
I can't help but wonder if at least some of that may be true. This crew has faced a lot of weird stuff in the last couple years, and I know I haven't handled it in the best way. I don't like Counselors as a rule, but maybe I actually need the help. At the very least, I wouldn't trust myself to go back on duty... not after what happened. No... it's probably safer for everyone if I stay here in this brig.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Jun 9, 2014 11:58:18 GMT -5
I don't have much time. Joy and her family are in the back getting some sleep, so I finally have a few minutes to myself. I've done some checking, and it turns out I was right the whole time. Someone ordered the Comanche to get Joy down on the surface, and it was only because I'm so stubborn that it didn't happen. I'm still working on who gave those orders and why, but I feel vindicated that at least one crisis was averted.
We'll be at Risa in a few hours... I have to go down to at least maintain appearances, but once Joy gets distracted I can get back to work. With any luck I'll find this person and be back on Risa before anyone knows I'm gone. Motoko, I know you're reading this, so if you can help I'd appreciate it. You know how to contact me.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Jul 27, 2014 21:55:42 GMT -5
It's done. There were no goodbye's this time. No parties, no formal ceremonies or celebrations... but I think I prefer it that way. I overstayed my welcome on that ship, so it's best to just disappear like the banshee I am.
I'm on my way back to Earth now, official transfer orders on record. My life as a security officer is coming to an end, one way or another. I've got a recommendation from Joy, such as it is, and hopefully that will be enough to get me into Command School. If not... there's a lovely little place in New Orleans I'd like to visit again.
One thing haunts me... the look on Werner's face, and the way he spoke about me. After all we've been through together, all the times we saved each other's lives... that he would think...
There's too much history, and far too much pain on that ship. I can only hope they'll be safe.
Farewell, my friends.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Feb 3, 2018 16:50:27 GMT -5
Jul 29 2014, 04:07 PM Today marks my first full day as the Commanding Officer of the Marfa. We are on course for the Azure Nebula, and my science department is eager to get to work. Command assured me this would be a routine assignment with no danger whatsoever, but I know better than to believe nothing will happen. As such, I've asked Ramirez to schedule some surprise drills while we're still en route.
Most of this ship's crew are fresh graduates of the Academy, and only my senior staff are veteran officers. Up until now they've mostly been in simulations and classrooms, and aside from the few who took a cadet cruise none of them have ever been close to real combat or any kind of life or death situation.
Even so, I'm looking forward to what the future holds. This is a new ship, a new crew, and a whole new path for me. I couldn't ask for more.
Aug 2 2014, 01:32 PM Supplemental: We've reached the nebula, and my science teams have launched their investigations like a pack of wolves descending on their first meal in weeks. I'm content to sit back and watch them work, since there is no real need for my help or intervention at this point. I'm sure they'll make mistakes at some point as all young officers do, but they will learn from those mistakes and become better in the process.
I am surprised, but happy to report that the journey here was relatively uneventful. We did run a short test of the slipstream systems, which resulted in a temporary loss of power on deck 6. Engineering assures me they'll have the problem fixed before we need it again. All other systems and departments checked out fine, and so far I haven't heard about any discipline problems.
I know better than to expect this mission to go perfectly, but I will enjoy the calm while it lasts.
Aug 21 2014, 02:43 PM Our path of exploration has brought us to the edge of previously explored space. Up until now we've been only a "phone call" away from help if we needed it. Now we're beyond even the Republic's territory, venturing into the space that Voyager would have explored without their use of the Borg's network. I am both excited and anxious for what we might find, and I've asked my XO to run readiness drills for all departments.
So far we've had it easy, and I fully expect our luck to change soon. I just hope we're ready for it.
Oct 11 2014, 04:11 PM Received a message at 04:30 ship's time, marked for my eyes only. I cannot discuss the details of that message, except that we have been recalled to Earth. All speed limitations have been rescinded, and I've been ordered to report to Admiral Quinn as soon as we arrive in the system.
I'm not sure why we're being recalled after only 3 months, but I can only assume something important has happened to pull a deep space mission home. As I record this, the crew is finishing up as much of their current projects as possible. I've given them twelve hours before we engage the slipstream drive and return home.
Jan 24 2016, 04:23 PM The last couple weeks have been very interesting, to say the least. I paid a visit to Starbase 220, in the hopes of catching up with some of my old crewmates while my own crew took some time off. What I got instead was a weird investigation into a shadow organization that got cut extremely short by Intelligence. From what I did learn, there's a lot out there that I never knew about before. The timing is suspicious though, as I was recalled back to Earth immediately following that visit and reassigned out of Intelligence to a regular ship.
The curious and suspicious part of me thinks I should look into it further. I'm worried about my friends and what might be happening to them, especially Tibs. A big part of me wants to help them, but I have a feeling it would only end badly for all of us if I got involved. The last several times I got involved in black ops like this, I came dangerously close to court martial or discharge because people someone got seriously hurt. Now that I've been moved back out of Intelligence, I'm done with that part of my life, and I don't want to go back to it.
Jan 22 2016, 11:43 AM Stardate 88603.51
As of today, I am taking command of the USS Myrto, registry number NCC-93093. For the record, I am Captain Erys Koa Murai. This ship will be my third permanent command, following the Marfa and Wraith, and my first new command since the Iconian War's end. The crew is making final preparations for departure from Spacedock, and I am confident that our crew will be the finely honed weapon I am used to wielding.
While my senior staff consists of veterans I have served with previously, the rest of the crew mostly consists of freshly graduated cadets. Luckily for them, I anticipate a relatively calm few days as we make our way to join the Amalthea carrier battlegroup. I don't know much about Admiral T'vei except by reputation, but if she's half as good as her reputation suggests, this will be an interesting assignment.
Jan 24 2016, 04:07 PM Stardate 88617.74
The Myrto has left Spacedock and is on route to Deep Space 9. We'll be picking up the last couple crew members there, along with a couple officers headed for the Amalthea. Our flagship is on its way to the sector as well, but as the second fastest ship in the fleet, the Admiral wanted us to speed things along.
The trip goes smoothly so far, with only two minor issues among the crew so far. My XO has handled both without any escalation and assures me that there won't be any more issues along the way. The ship is performing equally well, and my engineering staff assures me that we'll shave a full day off the initial estimates. I have a feeling they exaggerated a bit to make themselves look better, but it won't hurt to give them a good start.
We don't have any real orders yet, but I'm sure we'll get some real action once we actually start our patrols. The Federation took a hard hit during the Iconian War, and there are plenty of people who would want to take advantage of a weakened Starfleet. I've asked my chief of security to begin running drills at random times, just to keep them on their toes. Whatever comes in the next few weeks, we'll be ready.
May 19 2016, 07:59 PM Stardate 93985.58
After roughly 5 months patrolling the Breen-Deferi border, the Myrto has been recalled to Earth Spacedock. No details were given, but I suspect this has something to do with the increase in both dimensional and temporal incursions recently. Between the Terran Empire and the Nakhul, we're facing a conflict that could erupt into another war. It goes without saying that we aren't ready for war, especially not with another enemy that can look and act like us if they wanted to.
Just to be on the safe side, I've asked my XO to coordinate cross-departmental drills. I want them ready for anything, but I also want to make sure they're familiar enough with each other to spot an imposter. We don't want to be so paranoid that we don't trust each other, but we have to learn from the mistake we made with the Undine and the Founders.
We're due to arrive within the next couple days. I just hope that's enough time to prepare.
Sep 5 2016, 05:40 PM It's strange sometimes how certain parts of my past will make appearances from time to time. An old shipmate of mine, Jon Cameron, sent me a message earlier to tell me that a mutual friend had passed away. It's been several months since I saw either of them, and the last time I saw Tibs was... not pleasant. Still, I can't help but feel sad that he's gone. We didn't part on the best of terms, but he was still a good officer and a friend. I'll miss him.
Our deployment in the Defera Sector will be up in a month or so, and I've planned some shore leave on Bajor for at least a couple weeks. Compared to the past several years, the last few months have been relatively uneventful, but I can still see the crew is getting tired. Whether it's boredom or exhaustion, they need a break from routine, and I plan to give it to them.
Sep 29 2016, 06:11 PM This will be my final log as Captain of the Myrto. On route to DS9 for resupply, we encountered a spacial anomaly. There was no prior warning, and it simply appeared in front of our ship. With no time to prepare, we were unable to avoid impact, although my helmsman did manage to skirt the edge. Even so, both of the port nacelles were sheered off near the top of the pylon. The feedback surge caused by the sudden loss of two nacelles at high warp overloaded our warp core and caused a chain reaction that was unrecoverable.
Fortunately, we were able to separate the primary hull and return to DS9. Miraculously, all of our crew were able to escape to the primary hull before separation. Due to the loss of most of my ship, we have been recalled back to Earth for a full debriefing and investigation. I suspect the next few weeks will not be pleasant, but I can rest easy knowing that my crew survived.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Feb 3, 2018 16:51:15 GMT -5
Jul 7 2017, 06:35 PM Stardate 90570.41
As of today at 0800 hours, I have assumed command of the Orlando. She is an older ship, having survived both the Klingon and Iconian Wars, and everything else that has been thrown against the Federation in the last fifteen or so years. The Corps of Engineers just completed a massive retrofit, and they assure me that all the latest bells and whistles have been included. I haven't had a chance to check up on their claims, but I'm sure they've done a great job.
Our current plan is to launch the ship later today. Starfleet has ordered us to to the edges of Starfleet space, near the border with the Breen and Tzenkethi. Rumors have been circulating that several planets were attacked recently, and Starfleet is sending a small fleet to reinforce our presence there. The Tzenkethi have been relatively quiet for the last hundred years or so, and I don't expect that to change. Still, we'll be ready should the need arise.
Jul 7 2017, 06:40 PM Stardate 90640.7
Patrols along the Federation border have been as quiet as I expected. Aside from the usual merchant traffic and a couple of pirates, we've had little reason to deviate from our assigned routes. The crew is starting to get bored, and I've asked Commander Gibbs to work with our Counselor to alleviate any potential issues before they affect ship's performance. Rumors about hostile activity continue to reach us, but they seem to be focused entirely outside Federation space. One of these rumors indicated the Tzenkethi might be involved, but we have not seen any evidence to support those accusations.
Jul 7 2017, 06:45 PM Stardate 90718.64
What we initially believed to be simple rumor have now become substantiated. One of the merchant ships sent us a copy of their sensor logs, showing a planet being destroyed by some kind of weapon. My science department has been studying these logs, and has come to the conclusion that the weapon was intended to terraform the world rather than destroy it completely. Given the scale of the weapon's effect, the most obvious source is a form of protomatter. Given past experience with variations of the Genesis device, I find myself wondering if the Tzenkethi have found or developed their own version of the technology. If that hypothesis proves to be true, it could be a serious threat to the Federation.
Jul 8 2017, 05:36 PM Stardate 90877.86
Starfleet has rotated us off the patrol route, and ordered us to Risa instead. Officially, we're simply there for shore leave. While there, I have been asked to check on various locations that have been the subject of temporal anomalies in the past. With a recent rise in temporal incursions by the Vorgons and other species involved in the Temporal Cold War, Starfleet believes there may be some correlation with past events. While I have my doubts that Risa will continue to play a part in these events following the removal of the Tox Uthat, I do understand Starfleet's need to monitor the situation.
Current ETA places us arriving tomorrow, which is fortunate because both the Protector and Sentinel are also in orbit for shore leave. Given the circumstances, I'll have only limited time, but I look forward to the chance to see some of them again.
Aug 2 2017, 01:34 PM Stardate 90977.58
With our apparent shore leave over, we have returned to our regular patrol routes. Despite the relative quiet surrounding the Tzenkethi at the moment, I remain convinced that a significant event may be on the horizon. The rumors of their activities with protomatter continue to reach us, and I can't help but wonder when the pot will boil over. I've asked all departments to prepare action plans and run scenarios as their schedules allow. If the situation does escalate, I want to be ready.
In the interim, I've started making inquiries about the possibility of being attached to Project Magellan. Although the mission there is primarily exploration, I believe the project would be one that benefits Starfleet and the Federation, as well as my crew. I have some doubts that we'll be reassigned, but I remain hopeful at the moment.
Aug 10 2017, 01:09 PM Stardate 90997.7
War is coming soon. I can feel it in how frequent the reports are coming in now. Starfleet has increased patrols in the area, and DS9 has been stockpiling supplies. It may be another week, it could be a year, but it's coming. My crew is ready for it, my ship is ready for it. But... is anyone every really ready for war? Time will tell.
Jan 28 2018, 08:37 PM Stardate 91427.7
Activity in Tzenkethi space has picked up even more, with reports that they have been actively testing protomatter weapons. Command has ordered us to resume our previous patrol routes along with the rest of the Amalthea battlegroup. Given how quiet they've been up until the last year or so, I have to wonder why they suddenly started on this path of destruction. They seem to be both aware of and willing to risk the dangers of protomatter, which tells me that they see a large enough threat somewhere to warrant the use of a weapon this dangerous.
Whether or not that threat is us or someone along another border, I can't begin to guess. All I can do is keep my ship on its assigned route and hope to keep them from venturing to any Federation worlds. I have little doubt that any use of the protomatter weapon on a Federation colony or member would be catastrophic, and I don't want to imagine the results of such a situation. Our only hope is to intercept any such attacks before they happen, because we have no real way to stop a reaction like that once it starts.
Feb 2 2018, 2:53 PM Stardate 91439.64
We had our first run in with the Tzenethi today. Damage was relatively minor, but it does reinforce the fact that the situation has escalated once again. Based on reports from other ships in the sector, I can't help but wonder when the real war will begin. As I've mentioned previously, the incidents are occurring with increasing frequency. It seems to be only a matter of time before a full scale war begins.
Crew morale is up despite the long patrol we have endured far. I have little doubt they will continue to perform admirably, and several have been recommended for commendations or promotions. One officer in particular does stand out. Lieutenant Commander Ramirez has consistently shown himself to be a reliable officer, and has come a long way since my first meeting with them as a security officer aboard the Sentinel. Over the last several years, he has repeatedly proven himself that has placed himself in danger protection through and the show never once has he asked for anything, but has performed his duty with no expectations of reward.
As such, I have recommended him for promotion to full Commander and all the responsibilities and privileges that rank provides. with the upcoming retirement of Commander Gibbs I have already moved Ramirez into the executive officer position. I have little doubt that he will excel at his new position as he did as Chief of Security.
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Post by Captain Erys Murai on Apr 3, 2018 19:42:03 GMT -5
(Recovered from Escape pod NCC-93280-02)
Stardate 91585.98
The defense of Bajor from the Tzenkethi was successful, but not without assistance from the 22nd. Their arrival was well-timed to turn the tide of battle, but far too many ships were lost during the battle. The real twist came after the cease-fire, however, when the real reason for the Tzenkethi's extreme tactics became clear. In what I can only describe as something akin to a locust swarm, the Hur'q revealed themselves to have been, I don't know, hibernating? In minutes, they completely disabled DS9 and destroyed almost the entire battlegroup. The Orlando held out to the very end, but we weren't able to stop them completely. At this moment, I don't know if the remaining fleet was able to stop them, but the swarm has left our escape pods alone for now.
The sensors on this pod aren't the best, but I've been able to make out several dozen escape pods from the Orlando. At least a few hundred made it off before the ship was destroyed, but I'm worried that more didn't. There's no way for me to know until I've landed. Current trajectory places me landing about a hundred miles from Hathon, so we should be close enough for them to find us at least.
In case I don't make it, I just want it on record that it has been an honor serving with the entire crew of the Orlando.
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