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Mother Confessor:

This feeling of fear grips me like a metal fist. With each passing moment it draws nearer. I can feel it in my gut, they will either take me or kill me. Pacing sporadically between theories of what is to come. The months have passed since there was word of the rogue freighter. Yet I feel so afraid of it. I cannot bear telling the natives on this blackened world of my feelings. They are humble and naïve beings. Though I feel guilty about casting them aside on my thoughts. Whatever the intent of the rogue freighter, I should at least try and prepare the simple minded fools. At the least have them find somewhere to go for safety. They are not warriors by any sense of the word, but farmers and laborers. I owe them a chance at surviving whatever maliciousness could come their way. They need not lay down their lives for me, I owe them for their hospitality. I should work on a simple yet effective way of warning the indigenous beings if such an awful event should occur. Though ill equipped as I am for a confrontation, I will resist.

I decide it will be best to send a short signal to their printing press. Outlining what to do in the event of an emergency. They are to head to the far side of the planet, and hide in the crater. Taking only food and water, and not to engage unless it is absolutely necessary.

I pray they will heed my message. Grabbing a small plasma torch I seal the two hatches of the compound. The small safety it assures me. Not unlike a child hiding under the covers from the monsters under the bed. My compound in not impenetrable. High explosives would be enough to breach it. I feel that sealing myself in will not let them come and take me to easily. Taking a seat in a high backed chair opposite the sterile abattoir, I ponder on what I could use to defend myself. Resting my narrow chin on laced fingers.

Graxis:

The four of us impatiently wait on the bridge. The Ober-Commander thinks it best to stay with the freighter once we spot her. I tell him that we have a short range jamming device. It ranges about a thousand kilometers. He thinks that should be a good range to keep pace with it. Even if they are scanning they will not see us on their tail, until it is to late.

As for a strategy when she does touchdown, I find a bit trickier. The Ober-Commander surprises me. He makes it simple yet effective, something I would have over looked. First noting they may deploy armor a thousand kilometers from the ship just before it lands. I follow the concept, since freighters do not have any weaponry mounted on them. He proceeds to use a personal console to outline the rest of the plan. Using his finger to draw the various players in the blank field. First making an X in the middle, explaining everything as he does. The X is the freighter. Making a dozen smaller X’s around the larger. These represent the armor. Then drawing a line on the far side of the screen. This was a whole division of our heavy armor deployed thirty kilometers to their rear. He draws two curving lines, indicating two full drop ships at her flanks. I see the armor take them by surprise, and then surround them with troops. He makes a note that we would be in the landing party. I was a little uneasy, since it would be embarrassing to be shot down in a drop ship. Following the armor and the drop ships, the battleship was to set just above the freighter. Weapons trained on her to prevent any departure, and issue a demand for their surrender. He concludes the ordeal with the phrase “Checkmate”. Not one that I am familiar with, but it did sound like a good way to sum up the plan. studying the crude field theory, and according to the Ober-Commander there should not be any real confrontation. It all seems to fall together once I start to see it..

Marckus:

“Well you dogs, what are you waiting for”, I bark at the helmsmen, “Get the lead out, we got a freighter to catch!”

Captain Graxis and the Admiral glance up at me as I bark out the order.

“What? I want answers as much as you do”, I assert to their gaze,” I wouldn’t be here unless I personally took some sense of leadership and responsibility. Besides you left Pluto to those tyrannical fuckers! I want to bury the Confederation as much as you do. I have seen your reports on what the Confederation has been doing, and now I am pissed!”

They look stunned and taken aback. Taking my combat knife from my belt, I slit my palm diagonally.

“I bleed for you my brothers and sisters of Centuria . That goes for all other races as well. I stand up for the weak, unto the death”, I loudly proclaim raising my mutilated hand high for all to see.

I continue,” I will not be corrupted or bought by any who wish to try. I solemnly vow this: Death before dishonor!”

At this I even have the helmsman out of their seats to bear witness to my declaration. The captain and admiral looked like they had been slapped. My comrades silently followed my short ritual of mutilation, much to my surprise. With my wounded hand I grabbed the captains hand. Pulling him closely in an old fashioned way old friends did centuries ago.

I speak with a bite into his ear, so no one else could hear. “Let’s get the fuckers.”

He hisses back, “ Yes sir.”

I release him and pull the small battle dressing I keep in my cargo pocket for emergency use and dress my severed hand. The captain wipes my blood off on his fatigue pants.

Looks like my little speech and gesture have gained me the support I need. Now to get down to business. Practice drills and such are in order. I and my men are long overdue for it. I personally will over see and partake in all of the proceedings. Though first I will have to acquaint myself with all the new weaponry. Time is not on our side so we should be mindful, as we prepare for this new campaign. Setting a strict schedule for me, my men, and the battalions I will be spear heading on the assault. I make a point to address them with the added bonus that we start at 0500 tomorrow, with limited breaks for meals and rest. Need to push the envelope on this or we will fall. Failure is not an option.