The Mystery of P4F-651

Infiltrator: We take any threats from the Black Order seriously. If we infiltrated your ship it was for good reason. What I am about to tell you is top secret for your ears and the ears of your superiors only. Myself and the ship I came from are part of a secret kill team of stealth ships whose mission objective is the complete eradication of the Black Order threat. Before receiving the distress call here myself and other members of the Black Hole Spec Ops Legion were raiding a Black Order listening post whose purpose, we can only assume to be, was to keep an eye on Dominion space and possibly provide intel to Black Order operations for raiding of Dominion supply lines. When we secured the post we came across some extremely disturbing intel... the Black Order has a FOAB. To make matters worse we believe that they may use that FOAB on a Dominion target. That is why we came out here in the first place, was to confirm whether the distress beacon was caused by the Dominion being attacked by the Black Order. When we confirmed that was not the case we were about to leave but we caught the Black Order systems as they were coming in. Their motives are unknown to us but we can safely assume the Black Order is looking for Dominion military tech to steal which comes back to your ship's status. Since you're here we are afraid the Black Order might make an attempt to board your ship and steal it. We are prepared to...

*The infiltrator's wrist blinked once which was a code that the Infiltrator was told to expect saying that the Black Order ships were moving in on the Dominion ship*

...We are out of time, Captain. My host ship says that Black Order is moving in to take your ship. You will have boarders shortly...

*The wrist light blinks again*

...Which comes to my second reason I'm here. That second light blink means that the Black Order is moving on the Centauri ship and our stealth ship can only help defend one target. Seeing as the Black Order is trying to take your ship our stealth ship has left a stealth dropship attached to your hull filled with a few squads of Black Hole Spec Ops Legionnaires. With your permission, we will come aboard and help your crew fend off the boarders.

The crew began to get more nervous as it seemed that some vessels were closing in on the UNS Ibn Battuta, and Captain Erebus became more suspicious of whoever these unknown vessels were. This was clearly not a friendly maneuver, and they were going to have to act, whether they liked it or not. Thus, she messaged to the allied ships again over the secured line, "I don't know what you all are doing, but moving to engage. Whoever else is in here is clearly not friendly in any sense of the word."

Then, she turned her attention to her own crew, and thought about what the best way to hit these stealth vessels would be. After a moment of thought, she instructed her weapons crew, "Aim the Plasma Shards in an arc ahead of the most recent sensor crews. If and when you hit the positions of these other stealth ships should be revealed. Crew on explosives and Tachyon beams should prime their weaponry and fire immediately after the ships are detected, and from there try and destroy them as rapidly as possible. Give no quarter."

Captain Khev was less than pleased, he didn't really need this on top of whatever the hell that cloud was out there. "Very well then, we shall allow your people on board for the time being but remind them this is a Dominion ship, my ship, so its my command." The Captain then rose from his seat and walked around the desk to the door of the office, hitting a button to open the door. "I have preparations on the bridge to make" he then motioned at a security officer standing outside the room. "You're free to go but not without escort, for security purposes you understand."

After finishing his conversation with the infiltrator, Captain Khev returned to his bridge and was informed that the Centauri has hailed them again. "Tell them we've received information about a cloaked enemy and are going on high alert now. We will get back with them once this threat has been neutralized." At that he then turned to his head security officer. "Have security personnel posted on every deck, have weapons passed out." He then turned and addressed the whole crew, "bring us to red alert and lock the ship down. Begin scanning the area for any spacial anomalies, specific anything that appears to be a cloaked ship. Weapons free once you think you've got something on the scanners."

*the infiltrator moved to the hanger where an Arcanii dropship just entered the hanger. When it landed out popped two of each class of the BHSO Legion. Once gathered one of the Order Imperators, clearly the lead commander, took command. He made sure to link his comm to the bridge of the Dominion ship to keep the Captain informed*

Order Imperator: The Black Order will have two objectives for the Dominion ship. Securing the bridge and the ship's captain and securing the weapons command center. The Black Order want this ship intact so engineering would be pointless for them especially if they don't control the bridge. We will divide into two teams, one will guard the weapons center and the other will guard the door leading to the bridge. Phoenix 5 through 8 secure the weapons center, myself and Phoenix 2, 3, and 4 will guard the bridge. Dominion captain we could use directions.

*Meanwhile in space one of the Black Order ships broke cover and accelerated at the Centauri ship clearly intending to ram the ship. Just before it hit the ship though it was blasted to kingdom come seemingly out of nowhere.*

Lorek: Centaurian ship, this is Order Captain Lorek, we're here to save your asses

(OOC: Wait, I didn't even come close to hitting them at all? I understand that a stealth ship is not exactly easy to hit, but it felt like my last post was completely ignored.)

Somewhat annoyed, Captain Erebus replies to Captain Lorek, "Order Captain Lorek, we more than had the situation under control. Our Plasma Shards were primed well before anything happened, and anything caught in the line of fire would have been very quickly exposed and destroyed. We are hardly in need of saving here and if anything your offer is an insult."

The crew begins to fire on the suspected enemy positions, laying down arcs of plasma to expose positions before tachyon beams and explosives are fired at the exposed positions, as was planned beforehand. This time, close range sensors are enhanced and some weapons are set for automatic fire at approaching enemy ships in case another attempt at raming occurs.

(OOC: Sorry I was partially busy when I posted so I missed the second part. In that post we'll say that those missed originally due to the stealth. Your second part will be head on)

*The Centauri fire devastated around 7 Black Order stealth ships but due to the stealth capabilities an unknown number more were still active. Order Captain Lorek came online.*

Lorek: Sorry and here I thought I was helping. Well here you goddamn jerk.

*Order Captain Lorek uploaded the source code for Black Order stealth signatures effectively lighting up every Black Order stealth frigate in range of the Centauri ship. Order Captain Lorek then did a fly by of the Centauri ship passing so close that the shields of both ships rubbed against one another probably as a juvenile "get back at you" move. He then proceeded to take out two more stealth frigates*

Captain Erebus's Lieutenant grinned at the transmission and said to the Captain, "Everything's a competition with that man, isn't it, ma'am?"

The Captain herself was distinctively less mirthful, and with a brief sigh she replied in return, "I suppose so. If-"

Suddenly, she noticed a brief flash in her peripheral vision, as the two shields briefly rubbed against one another. Slightly startled, she continues, "If it's a competition he wants, a competition he will get. Honestly, I don't know how someone like him gets in control of a military stealth vessel. Just goes to show what happens when you don't give your people proper meme-engineering."

In any case, with the stealth signatures now recognizable by the sensors, it became considerably easier to seek and destroy the Black Order vessels. The strategy is generally to pin them down with Plasma Shard crossfire before destroying them with Tachyon Beams and explosives for the larger vessels.

*With the Centauri and Ordenreich vessel working together... kinda. The Black Order didn't really stand much of a chance. Some Black Order ships took to attempting to ram into both the Centauri and Ordenreich stealth frigate but the Centauri ship was simply too powerful and the Ordenreich stealth frigate was, in all areas, better than the older model the Black Order used so it was easily able to outrun and gun down the Black Order ships. One ship remained and it decided to attempt to ram the Arcanii stealth ship when Order Captain Lorek gave his order.*

Lorek: Ram it.

Crewmen: Sir I-

Lorek: I said ram it! They enjoy doing that so much lets give them a taste of their own medicine.

*Both ships went on a collision course with each other and thats when the Black Order ship began to chicken out and attempt to move out of the way. However, it was moving so fast thats its velocity made their maneuvering thrusters useless. Both ships collided and a huge explosion popped up in the empty of space. After the debris cleared the Arcanii stealth frigate started to float away with minor damage.*

Lorek: Damages?

Crewmen: None sir but many crew weren't strapped down and suffered injury. Shields at 4%.

Lorek: Get the crew to medical and call for reinforcements. I want everyone in the Arcanii network to see my handiwork.

Crewmen: Yes sir.

(OOC: Just for fun I wanted to have a real military fuck up in this RP. In my next post a high member of the Arcanii Network will be coming around so Sela you can get your revenge on him if you want lol.

I am going to wait for Verida to post because we got a tiny bit carried away with our posting)

(OOC: Yeah, I agree, we did get a little carried away. Sorry for not letting you in on the action, Veridia )

The Lieutenant flinches a bit when the two vessels collide, but Captain Erebus doesn't seem surprised at all. "Somehow," she says, "it's like I was expecting that all along. Let the sensor crew continue scanning the anomaly. That was... an entertaining diversion, but we still have this matter to focus on."

(OOC: For Veridia his actions will happen during our actions for the sake of RP)

OOC: So much for having any fun guys....no I'm kidding, I would like to say the Veridians at least fired a few shots though if that's ok. I'm going to start from your last post concerning me Sacae. Oh and I'll let whoever else you had planned showing up, to show up Sacae and then in my next post I'll move my own story along.

IC:

When the Ordenreich soldier came aboard they were shown to the weapons center and bridge respectively. Captain Khev made it a point to meet the Order Imperator that was the commanding officer of the bunch. He was highly uneasy allowing these soldier on his ship, after all who was to say that these were Black Order operatives and other ships were the real friends. Of course with ships heading in his direction and these soldiers on board he really didn't have time to question anything and instead took command of his ship. The Centauri and Ordenreich vessel took the charge against the enemy and while the Dominion ship fired a few shots, it was the other two that really won the battle. 

That fact sat a bit uneasy with Captain Khev who hated to have to write in his report that his ship had mostly sat back and watched the fireworks but at least the immediate threat was now neutralized. The Captain informed the Order Imperator that they were appreciative of their services but that it was doubtful they were still needed and could return to their own ship to help their people. Facing back to this bridge crew, one of his sensor officer's got his attention.

"Captain, I have just completed a secondary scan of the cloud formation. Sir, it appears to have grown one mile in volume."

(OOC: Thats fine. The Black Order split up into two fleets. A larger fleet to attack my stealth ship and the Centauri vessel and a smaller one to attack you.)

*The Dominion ship fired at the fleet attacking the Ordenreich and Centauri ship but little did they know that the just happened to fire on the Black Order ships that were creeping up on the Dominion ship. Three of the five ships were destroyed while the last two managed to latch onto the Dominion ship and they began sending troops over. The Black Order cut their way onto the Dominion ship but the moment the first soldier planted his feet on the Dominion deck his head seemingly exploded. The specialist engineer guarding the bridge door along with the other Legionnaires stoop up from his sniper kill. The Black Order troops then began to rush the Legion's position supplemented by the Dominion's guards. The Order Imperator opened up with his typhoon along with the engineer's shotgun, the infiltrator's hurricane, and the paladin's valkyrie. The Order Imperator activated his devastator mode and missiles launching an armored platoon's worth of death against the Black Order troops. The squad was firing so much that rumbling could be felt on the Dominion's bridge.*

While the fighting is ongoing on the Veridian warship, the UNS Ibn Battuta begins to move closer to the anomaly, scanning furiously to try to determine why it was beginning to expand. It also begins to examine the figures inside the anomaly with more detail, trying to determine what, if anything, they were capable of.

The Dominion security personnel on the ship were impressed by their Ordenreich friendlies but certainly weren't about to let them have all the fun in the fight. In the interior of the ship was not the most spacious and what quite spartan by design (link). Of course being their own ship they were more accustom to the hallways and crawl ways than their allies or their enemy. Armed with submachine guns and assault riffles, the security personnel used their knowledge of the ship to move behind the the enemy position and then pinch them between Dominion personnel and their Ordenreich friendlies. No doubt it would only be a matter of time before the Dominion ship was purged of the vermin. 

With the bridge on lock down, Captain Khev continued to have his staff scanned the anomaly. It had grown but they couldn't figure out why. Having moved the ship closer, they were most likely getting some of the same readings the Centauri were getting. Again the cloud was little more than what you'd find on any planet that could support humanoid life. However, as mentioned before, there seemed to be some kind of interference in the cloud that made sensors and scanners give somewhat incomplete or scrambled readings. It seemed to be some kind of electromagnetic interference and it was stronger near the core of the cloud, no doubt where the planet was though the Centauri nor the Ordenreich presumably knew there was a planet there...or at least there use to be. 

While the Centauri and the Dominion continued to metaphorically dig into the cloud to understand what it was, a ship emerged. It was a Dominion warship, the same class of vessel as Captain Khev's ship. It merged from the outer layer of the cloud much like a submarine emerges from the water. Creeping out of the cloud it did not look like it was emerging from the cloud on its own power. 

"Captain, a ship is emerging" the sensor officer announced.

"I see it, is it the Razor?" Captain Khev asked, almost having the scream over the echoing sound of the weapon's fire.

"Yes" said the officer, "scans confirm it is the Razor."

"Hail them immediately" said the Captain.

"Sir" said the Communication's officer, "I've hailed them twice with no response."

"Life signs?"

"Sir the cloud is producing interference. We're reading signs of life but some of them could be sensor ghosts or duplicates. These readings just don't seem right sir."

"Hail the Centauri, see if their scanners are picking up anything better than our own."

"Aye Captain."

In response to the hail, Captain Erebus replies negatively, "Afraid not. Whatever is causing the interference is too strong - our sensors cannot penetrate it. We're going to send a manned probe to examine the cloud from within, and we hope that this may shed some light, assuming it works in the first place."

As she replies, a small shuttle is filled with scientific personnel and a few marines and is sent out into the anomaly, trying to record data from within the cloud structure.

*The Black Hole Legion quickly pushed back the Black Order. In such a confined space the Order Imperator's Typhoon LMG ensured that the Black Order could only blind fire over cover or guaranteed getting shot. They pushed the Black Order back into their frigates from where they boarded and set charges on the docking tubes tethering the frigates to the Dominion ship. When they cleared the blast radius they asked the Dominion crew to seal the area around the docking tube as the explosion would expose the corridor to the vacuum of space. After the area was sealed the Specialist Engineer detonated the explosives blowing the Dominion ship free of the frigates.*

Order Imperator: This is Phoenix One to Lone Wolf Black Order Frigates are clear. You are free to fire.

*At that the Arcanii stealth frigate destroyed both the Black Order frigates wiping out the Black Order's presence in the system. As soon as the ships were destroyed the Black Hole Legion forces on the Dominion vessel began making their way to their shuttles as they decided not to stick around. As soon as they began boarding their ships another Arcanii ship came in from slipspace though this ship was a little more social and serious then the one that was already there.*

Order Captain Soren: This is Order Captain Soren of the Arcanii Network broadcasting on all allied channels.

The Centauri shuttle entered the cloud mass as easily as the Dominion ships emerged from it. Once inside the mass, the electromagnetic interference they all ships had been experiencing when trying to use sensors, became stronger. Though still more of an annoyance than a problem, it would only intensify depending on how deep within the cloud the Centauri choose to go. Visibility within the cloud was minimal, with the centauri only being able to see about a few feet in front of them. However, perhaps the most interesting thing they discovered was that within the cloud there existed oxygen as well as gravity. Though both were thin, the gravity made it feel as if the shuttle was indeed floating in water. If the Centauri choose to go deeper, both the gravity and the oxygen would increase. Also depending on how deep they choose to go, the Centauri would (through the interference) begin to pick up the silhouette of the planet though getting close to it could present its own complications.

When word got to Captain Khev that the battle was over, the enemy neutralized and the Ordenreich soldiers now leaving, he gave a small sigh of relief. He didn't like them on board, it made him and much of his personnel uncomfortable. With their departure he and his crew could get back to their primary mission. At least, that was what the Captain was hoping until the emergence of another Ordenreich ship. The Captain, hoping the exchange would be brief, replied to their hail.

"This is Captain Khev of the Dominon warship Saber."

While the Captain replied to Captain Soren's transmission, Dominion personnel on board perhaps a shuttle as the Captain Khev would soon be launching a team to get to the Razor which was still 'floating' on top of the cloud mass.

After some debate, the shuttle crew decides to push further: there was really nothing to lose, and everything to gain. They began to fervently write down every observation, both from the sensors and from their own instinct, as they pushed towards the planet in an effort to determine what exactly if anything they could see there. In the meantime, the UNS Ibn Battuta returns the hail of Captain Soren while Captain Erebus considers the value of lodging a complaint on Captain Lorek's questionable professionalism.

Soren: Captain Khev, we acknowledge your rank and affiliation. The Arcanii Network sends its regards and has ordered us to stand by and observe this strange cloud and assist if need be. Captain Erebus, we acknowledge your rank and affiliation and have tagged you as an allied vessel

Just as the Veridians were receiving the transmission from Order Captain Soren, a small shuttle was launched from their ship. A small team, including two engineers, zipped across the space between their ship and the emergent Razor. Though they continued to try and make contact, it seemed to make no difference. Indeed, they soon realized when they reached the ship that it appear main power was offline. Making a pass over the ship the small shuttle soon docked with a hatch on the top-side of the ship. 

Captain Khev was notified and gave the team the go ahead to go on board. He decided to use the time to respond to Soren. "Order Captain, the Dominion appreciates the assistance however we do not entirely feel it will be necessary in the end. We have people go on board our missing ship now and I am sure we will have our answers soon." Once the seal was pressurized, the doors opened and the team soon came aboard the Razor. The hallway was dark though in the distance they could see the illumination of the emergency light for that particular section. The environmental controls must have been malfunctioning for it was several degrees colder than what it could be on the ship. Though they attempted to scan for lifeforms they concluded that they must still be getting interference from the cloud as they appear to be getting phantom readings.

From where the team had entered, they knew they weren't far from the bridge. Armed, they checked their weapons before moving forward into the dark ship. It was so quite, an eerie silence that send a chill down even the most harden of men's spines. The HUD of their enviro-suits were switched to give them better sight int he dark and their helm lights were turned on. Turning a corner they moved slowly until they heard a noise in the background, an officer turning to see while giving the general response of "what was that?"
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Moving closer towards the planet the Centauri were capable of gathering a little more information despite the interference. It seemed the planet no longer had a normal ozone layer or other atmosphere that a planet of its apparent size would have. Layers existed but they were much thinner and in truth, they wondered if they'd even notice passing through them towards the surface. It was also at this point that the Centauri undoubtedly caught what they believed to be a massive power signature coming from the surface. However, once they noticed it they had little time to analyze the data as the shuttle began experiencing un-explainable power fluctuations. Beginning to rock violently the pilot realized if they didn't get the shuttle under control, they'd lose control and would have to make a rather bumpy landing.

OOC: Sela, I'll leave their fate up to you and play off it in my next post.

Soren: Understood, Captain. We'll remain on stand by.

*Order Captain Soren looked at the strange cloud then looked at the Dominion ghost ship. He didn't like what was going on and the fact the Black Order showed themselves disturbed him even more.*

Soren (thinking to self): The Black Order does not have many ships and they have no known facilities to rebuild what they lost. The fact the were willing to sacrifice ships for this... cloud... makes it worth investigating. What does the Black Order know that we don't? And the Dominion ship... what happened? Ships of the Dominion do not simply go missing with all hands lost. Something's not right here...

Soren (to crewmen): Crewmen, bring the ship up to combat alert alpha...

Crewmen: Sir?

Soren: Do it. Now. Also engage stealth systems and move us in closer to the Dominion ghost ship. Tell Lorek to send his Black Hole Legion detachment to us and the moment they get on board, have them on stand by ready to deploy to the Dominion ghost ship at a moment's notice. Also tell Lorek to stay back and keep an eye on that mysterious cloud.

*The crewman rushed to do what he was ordered, his pace quickened by the unnerving tone taken by his commanding officer. He then quickly gave his report.*

Crewmen: Sir, Order Captain Lorek acknowledges along with various insubordinate jokes attached. The transport carrying the Black Hole Legionnaires from the other Dominion vessel has changed course and is now heading for our position. Stealth systems are engaged and we are closing in on the Dominion ghost ship. ETA 2 minutes.

The shuttle crew isn't exactly surprised by the power fluctuations, given the fact that there was a high amount of electromagnetic interference. However, the rocking did come on quite suddenly, and the pilot quickly seized the controls and tried to pull away from the planet to escape the zone of interference. He tried to power through and increased engine power as much as possible to make it happen.

***

In the meantime the crew of the UNS Ibn Battuta was left somewhat unnerved by the lack of communication between them and the shuttle, and generally was left out of the dark communications-wise. With really nothing better to do, Captain Erebus broadcasted to the other vessels, "While we continue to wait for the results of our shuttle investigation, are there any matters that our assistance is requested in?"

Soren: Captain Erebus, with respect, we ask that you maintain radio silence until we understand the situation we find ourselves in

Lorek: In other words, sush!

Soren: You as well Order Captain

The pilots actions saved the Centauri from what would have undoubtedly been a terrible crash upon the planet. Though it took sometime to stabilize the flight, eventually the violent rocking subsided and the shuttle leveled out and begun heading away from the planet and back into a safer zone. No doubt the pilot took a moment to breathe a sigh of relief in saving the shuttle and the crew. Continuing their research of the cloud the Centauri put the shuttle  into a cruising speed. Each of the occupants of the shuttle mostly remained quite to themselves as they collected and analyze the data, that was until they heard it. The faint sound of something scratching. and it was scratching at the hull. Looking to see if it were debris they were surprised and perhaps even horrified to see a gargoyle-like creature scratching at the hull trying to get in.

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The gunfire echoed throughout the emptied hallways of the Dominion ship as the team fought for their lives. The Creatures, which were arachnid-like in shape but were the size of a domestic cat, came pouring into the corridor from the air vents. Veracious in nature, the Dominion team unloaded thousands of rounds without letting up. Where did they come from and what the hell were they doing on the ship, they were legitimate questions but at the moment none of the Dominion officers had the chance to ponder them as they were fighting for their lives.

*the arcanum stealth ship had remained quiet for a long time as order captain Soren listened for any signs of trouble. He was alerted when his sensors flared up as they were picking up gunfire signatures within the dominion ship. The order captain hailed the dominion.*

Soren: Dominon forces this is Order Captain Soren. Our sensors are picking up gunfire signatures as well as a severe spike in life forms on your missing ship. Do you need assistance? The black hole legion is standing by for deployment