Launch of the Pacific
jkason said:
Van enters the bridge, saying "Alright. Everyone's on board. I think it's about time we shook this ship down, yes? CECCE, could you access standard protocols for shakedown on this model ship? What kind of paces should we be putting her through?"
CECCE:
"Certainly captain. I would be simply delighted to do so!" She claps her hands with a girlish squeal of delight. Then she assumes a tone of mock-seriousness.
"Beginning launch protocol."
CECCE's announcement is heard in all corridors of the Pacific.
"Attention everybody. We're about to launch the Pacific on her maiden voyage. Isn't this exciting! All hands to flight stations."
"At this time, we have a prepared message from Concord Admininstrator Jocelyn Kara." There is a pause, and then the image of the Administrator is displayed on all comm screens and holo-projectors, as the message is played.
"Greetings and Congratulations to Captain Curran and the crew of the CSS Pacifc. Today you embark on a glorious voyage to fulfill the Peaceful Mission of the Concord. The Pacific is dedicated to the proposition that all sentients can and will live in Peace, in accordance with the Ideals of the Concord. You are called to this high purpose: to bring Peace to all corners of the Galaxy. And I am confident that you will rise up to meet the challenge of these ideals, and be a credit to our Peaceful civilization. Good luck, and may the Blessings of Righteousness follow you throughout the stars."
In the engine room, Friday remarks:
"Blah blah blah... Let's just get going."
On the bridge, CECCE announces:
"We are clear and ready for take-off, Captain." Ebon begins piloting the vessel out of the spacedock, and along a pre-determined shake-down course across the system. The Pacific moves with a stately grace. It is not an extremely graceful vessel (Maneuver Rating 0) but it is pretty fast (Accel 1 Mpp and Cruise Speed 2 AU/hr).
Once the ship is underway, Ebon takes the ship through a local asteroid belt, and around one of the outer moons of the planet. The ship handles well, and all systems seem to be under control. You take some target shots at some outlying asteroids, and confirm that the plasma and mass cannons are operational. All systems appear to be functioning normally.
After a couple hours of shaking down the systems, a communication comes in on a secure channel at Dane's console. It is a priority message from Administrator Kara, containing the details for your first mission.
The captain probably asks for the message to be played right there, but in case he takes it privately, it is included here in a spoiler block. It is marked with the lowest confidentiality, so it could be shared with the crew at the captain's discretion.
[sblock]
The face of Administrator Kara appears on the display.
"Congratulations captain, on your new command. We have a priority mission for you to embark on immediately. All the details are included in the technical files attached to this transmission."
"Freedom is a colony world in the Bandar system on the edge of Concord and VoidCorp space. It is an independent world that is petitioning the Concord for inclusion in our alliance. You are to proceed to the Bandar system and assist in assessing their suitability as a Concord member. You will be joined by Ambassador Quentin Sikes, who awaits you at Bandar, and will assist him in his efforts to negotiate a treaty."
"Freedom City was a primitive colony of VoidCorp and Insight expatriats who determined to start their own society during GW2. Since the war, they have rapidly increased the sophistication of their capital city, and have reportedly built a top-quality spaceport which they are now offering for exclusive Concord use, once they become members of our alliance. The Concord Administrators are concerned that this spaceport was built with the assistance of technicians from some other stellar nation, perhaps Starmech or VoidCorp. Our concern is that this nation may hold undue influence over the colony, and may have spies or sabotage built into the station and its personnel. You are to investigate these possible ties and determine whether the government of Freedom City can be allowed to join the Concord without exposing our system to undue external influence."
"Let me stress to you that Ambassador Sikes is not in command of this mission. He will attempt to exert control over the investigation, but you must make the final recommendation to me. You are to assist him, but do not allow him to interfere with your best judgement in this situation."
"Good luck, and may the Blessings of Peace fly with you."
[/sblock]
