Towan’s holographic sphere swiveled in place, facing Sel and Adi the moment the virtual intelligence’s name was mentioned. [i][b][color=00aeef]“Yes, that would be correct Doctor Sel'Varok.”[/color][/b][/i] replied Towan in its usual fashion of addressing both title and full name of the individual it was speaking too. The ship’s VI spoke with little to no personality but given Towan’s more direct sounding behavior; it seemed obvious that the VI was constructed with the concept of getting to the point above all else. [color=00aeef][i][b]“ADI Mark V, your profile has already been reviewed; your contribution to the crew and the Infamous Alto's operation and success is very much appreciated.”[/b][/i][/color] - ------------------------------------------------- - “Excellent, we seem to be right on schedule.” voiced Force Commander Arik at the meeting table after what seemed like an hour of everyone submitting their operational status and ETAs. However how long time seemed to flow through the Cyberverse, in flowed alongside reality in mere seconds. Of course this can only be made possible locally. As data and communications travel through deep space and making contact with each satellite node to which accelerates the information to the next node over, the latency with each reply may last only a matter of minutes; a marveling concept given most planets or starships may be separated by several thousand light years apart. But the very fact alone is what has everyone so spooked about the mission. Nothing but silence was the only thing known the moment communications were lost. “I won’t bore you all with what’s already known and you all have already been briefed about this situation…And what is at stake.” Arik continued, “…The Galactic Coalition believes that the disappearances in Solarian League and Bel’Kian Concordance space is the result of an active invasion. The loss of communication with the colonies provides a tactical advantage for any possible invader in preventing military information or an SOS from being sent out and leaving us in the dark to our own devices...” “Could this occurrence also be the result a coordinated attack from a terrorist or radical cell?” spoke a young officer from what Rayland could gather as he turned his attention to the origin of the voice. “My query reflects the tactics observed during the military coup on Hidien IV and V. Several cells have also been confirmed operating light-years away from these colonies.” Rayland could make out some conversations now being stirred up by this established fact. “Biological weapons were used in that coup too. Hidien V is hardly considered habitable now because of that mess.” came another voice; this one coming from a more gruff and senior officer, possibly a captain. “Were there any reports of Stellar activity in those sectors prior before communications went dark?” “No reports were given. Those kinds of phenomena would be easy to track and predict. Solar flare or supernova alerts would have been issued long before any temporary or permanent damage could be done. Everyone would have been evacuated in time. “Likely possibilities gentleman and I do share your formulated theories as well.” the moment Arik’s commanding voice reemerged, all side conversations ceased. “Until we are given more information on these recent events, it will be assumed that a hostile force is the cause of the disappearances. Though to ease some of your concerns, we have brought in several specialists into our fold in case an invasion is disproven. Moving forward…” The table in the heart of the discussion suddenly began to glow, producing a digital image of the entire galaxy for everyone to observe. Immediately following-up afterwards, several blips popped in, identifying each colony now reported as ‘gone dark’. The present animation continued as a portion of the galactic map was pulled up, highlighting three more colonies before a representation of the expeditionary fleet came into view. “Here’s the ground work for Operation Trident…The entire expeditionary force will deploy from Falymar Station and travel to the Andraste Quadrant via slispace. As you can see, Andraste is the closest quadrant next to populated space and thus demands our full attention. Upon arrival and while still in transit, the flotilla will break into 3 groups, each lead by a Skirmish Carrier…” Force Commander Arik then personally highlighted his group. “…Our group here will be lead by the Howling Sun; our primary target is the Quox system, specifically the planet Ebrillon.” On cue, the map zoomed inward more, showing the Quox star system and then Ebrillon. “Assuming an enemy force has positioned and fortified itself around the planet, our battlegroup will exit slipspace close to the edge of the system. Our late scouts had exited within visual range of Ebrillon before contact was lost so we’ll be playing this safe…” The more Rayland continued to follow and dissect Arik’s strategy, the more he began to feel dread and regret churning in his stomach. He and his crew knew the risks and it was already too late to back out now, but he could not shake the uneasy feeling that was slowly enveloping him. That a heavy burden of responsibility for his crew mounting its weight on his shoulders and …Thighs? An unexpected and illogical feeling he couldn’t understand as to why it existed alongside his worries. His thoughts did not dwell on this for long and he quickly written it off as faulty neural reaction due to synchronization. Rayland then refocused his attention back to Arik’s session. “…we’ll begin a slow approach here, using long range scanners to chart out the surrounding space, especially for any defensive fortifications. If in the event a hostile fleet is present, all transport ships will evacuate back to the exit point and await further instructions from the Howling Sun. However if there is no confirmed threat occupying Ebrillon’s local space or orbit, landing operations will begin after tactical observations deem it safe to land on the surface…” [img]http://coolvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/space-city.jpg[/img] The holographic representation of Ebrillon zoomed in to the planet’s surface, revealing the blueprints of a massive hive city structure. The megalopolis resembled that of an immensely large and wide sky scraper cultivating its structural influence deep underground as well. Its concept was to develop a single area for colony development without the need to construct more cities across the planet. The basis was more towards geographic and ecosystem isolation with the eventual requirement for development for an orbital elevator to support larger vessels that are unable to perform atmospheric entry to their incredible mass. Upon further inspection was a starport being highlighted on the holographic display. “This starport here will serve as a beachhead for phase one of the landing efforts...” Arik pointed out to the assembly to which Rayland’s job was now being addressed. “The transport ships ferrying equipment and personnel will dock with the starport once AISCs secure the structure. Through this process we will attempt to make contact with anyone inside the city. Depending on our findings, phase two will begin after this port here, close the apex of the city is under control. This will allow dropships to bring supplies directly into the structure…” After Commander Arik’s sentence ended, the holograph soon faded into nothingness. Already whispers amongst the personnel began to pick up. “This concludes our known strategy for this expedition. Additional tasks will soon follow depending on the situation we encounter on Ebrillon. I predict that many of you have many concerns and questions about the groundwork laid out here so now is the time to ask them.”