Director Ogilvie looked up as a group of people were ushered through into his office by the pair of goons currently keeping him from leaving. He was right in the middle of trying to co-ordinate security and civilian personnel working to extract supplies from the Scythian. From the sounds of the report he’d just received from his Head of Security, the crowds were growing very restless. He ended the comm-line and tried to smile at the new arrivals.

One of the women approached him first, a pilot by the state of her uniform. She seemed as though she’d literally just landed. She dived right in to tell her story but Ogilvie perked up at mention of bandits attacking her ship in his system. He’d had a couple of reports of ‘Ndrangheta scumbags moving into the area over the past couple of months; this sounded like another of their trademark kidnappings gone wrong. The Navy forces protecting ‘Mdama had been too preoccupied to deal with these criminals with The Nomad closing in, Ogilvie supposed now that the world had been destroyed they were expanding rapidly. Even before the events of today, the lack of ships and resources had meant his hands were tied. That remained the case today.

“I’m sorry to hear that, miss Aprilia. I have heard quite a lot about the criminals in this system for a while now, but unfortunately there’s little i can do about that right now. As you might have seen, there's quite a lot going on round here. What i can do though is offer you a way to contribute in order for repairs to be made on your ship. Unfortunately we’re low on parts, so the process could be rather piecemeal. Alternatively, if you need them fast it may be worth asking the crew aboard the UWG ship out on the main landing pad.”

James composed a short message and sent it to his Head of HR. “Okay, i’ve told my chief resourcing officer to expect you. She will assign you work based on your core skill set and what needs doing. Good luck to you miss Aprilia.”

James Ogilvie had barely finished addressing the woman when a lady standing with the group of people next to Natalia spoke up.

[hr]

“Director Ogilvie…” - Mel quickly engaged the man. “We won’t take too much of your time, I’m Melissa Reinhardt. We can see you probably have your hands full. We...” She turned to look at her friends. “The four of us are former soldiers, veterans of the Nomad war, we are here to offer our help and expertise.” She indicated BB with a hand. “Lance corporal Dunn here is a medic as well. He can help your medical staff, as it appeared there’s a bit of a shortage there.” She looked at Jack. “Myself and Jack can help in any security and law enforcement capacity.” Finally she turned to look at Ro. “As for our Noxaara friend here, I’ll let her explain for herself.”

“Thanks, Mel.” Ro began looking at the Director. “Like my friend said. We’re here to help. In any way we can. With security, with order enforcement, relief efforts. Also… As the Noxaara are friends to the humans I would also like to extend my people’s aid to you. If you would allow me to use your long range comm array I would like to contact my world and arrange for a ship with supplies to be sent to RX3248 if that would be agreeable?”

[hr]

Ogilvie digested the information. They seemed keen and non-threatening, which was unusual for military types. He quietly checked their military records on his personal assistant device. They were who they said they were. 

“Well we certainly need all the medics we can lay our hands on. Your offer of help is very much appreciated Lance Corporal.”

The Director looked at the Noxaara. He hadn’t had much experience in dealing with them in the past, but the alien seemed polite. He pulled open a factfile on the species and civilisation as a whole. Ordinarily, he would need to refer this request to the System Governor on ‘Mdama. However, they were almost certainly be dead at this point, with most of the planet now uninhabitable and all planet-wide communication having ceased. Times were not normal, but there were protocols he had to follow.

“That's a very kind offer, however at present i’ll have to block that request. UWG protocol is very clear on what the lines of communication  between non-humans and humans look like. It is not my position to open up to relief from the Noxaara, however generous it may seem. However the chain of command isn’t in exactly good shape, i will think on this and let you know via PA if anything changes alright?” He shot a conciliatory grin the alien’s way.

“Anyway, as you are all military you will be under the overall command of my head of security, Miranda Nero.” He continued, motioning to the group as a whole. “Should you accept your allotted roles. Unless there are any questions, Ms Aprilia you’re free to head to my resourcing chief or seek out the parts you need on the Scythian. I’ve sent the location to your PA. You fine soldiers on the other hand will find my Head of Security supervising the unloading of vital food supplies. She will find something for you to do i’m sure. Dismissed.”

As they turned to leave, gunfire rippled from the direction of the space port. Ogilvie got up and strode to his window. He could see wisps of fire sprouting from the ship’s landing pad. He looked at the group of soldiers who had joined him at the window.

“All of you, out!” 

He opened up comms with Nero.

“Miranda, what the fuck is going on down there?”

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