December 19th
L2 Cluster
Omer Science & Technology Colony "Sirus" Spaceport
"That's... not possible..."
Truth, it turns out, is stranger than fiction.
This expression was far from Rowena Koenig's mind as she'd heard the news upon her return from the United Nations: That the League had a new, unexpected ally.
Negotiations with NUNS had been short, and curt. The spacefaring bureaucratic body would take months to mull over the League's request for a Fold-capable ship that could quickly move their forces to Jupiter to strike back at the Jovian Lizards. Not even two days later, the long-lost fleet, the Galaxy, had resurfaced - in League airspace, no less. It couldn't just be a coincidence - she wouldn't have believed it if she weren't there herself, staring at its colossal deck with unbelieving eyes.
Its appearance had been as sudden and unexpected as any could imagine - and was met immediately by a gushing League press release.
Below, carefully sealed containers were being loaded onto the battleship - ones containing the Frighteners' Kataphrakts. The Earth invasion plan had, for all intents and purposes, been cancelled - and the League's super weapons were about to be turned upon the Jovian menace. And then, of course, word had come down: she would have the privilege of leading the assault. A death sentence in all but name, given the estimates she'd seen. Served her right, she thought grimly, for tipping her hand just a little early. Perhaps the higher ups had been unhappy with her decision making regarding the Jovian visitor?
Or perhaps... the BAHRAM call...?
Did they know?
She shook her head within her spacesuit, as she landed on the deck, trying not to even think of that possibility. Its surface was pockmarked with debris from distant stars, and she wondered briefly just how such a vessel was related to the League in the first place. She'd have plenty of time to figure it out...
They moved out tomorrow.
L2 Cluster
Omer Science & Technology Colony "Sirus" Spaceport
"That's... not possible..."
Truth, it turns out, is stranger than fiction.
This expression was far from Rowena Koenig's mind as she'd heard the news upon her return from the United Nations: That the League had a new, unexpected ally.
Negotiations with NUNS had been short, and curt. The spacefaring bureaucratic body would take months to mull over the League's request for a Fold-capable ship that could quickly move their forces to Jupiter to strike back at the Jovian Lizards. Not even two days later, the long-lost fleet, the Galaxy, had resurfaced - in League airspace, no less. It couldn't just be a coincidence - she wouldn't have believed it if she weren't there herself, staring at its colossal deck with unbelieving eyes.
Its appearance had been as sudden and unexpected as any could imagine - and was met immediately by a gushing League press release.
"We welcome the Galaxy Fleet, which has been conducting deep space research and exploration, as allies in our fight against the Jovian Lizards. Our shared passion for how technology lights the way for human development will, we anticipate, serve as an example to other, less animated governing bodies.
The League of Ruling Companies would like to encourage our staff not to spread any salacious rumors or gossip that may have originated in the Galaxy's long absence. Such accusations are unfounded, slanderous, and will be dealt with accordingly."
The League of Ruling Companies would like to encourage our staff not to spread any salacious rumors or gossip that may have originated in the Galaxy's long absence. Such accusations are unfounded, slanderous, and will be dealt with accordingly."
Or perhaps... the BAHRAM call...?
Did they know?
She shook her head within her spacesuit, as she landed on the deck, trying not to even think of that possibility. Its surface was pockmarked with debris from distant stars, and she wondered briefly just how such a vessel was related to the League in the first place. She'd have plenty of time to figure it out...
They moved out tomorrow.