Captain Andersen stood at ease on the bridge of the Barbarossa, both hands clasped behind her back. She surveyed the map table hologram’s limited tactical information about the Psi-Helios system. Their long-range scanners could only pick up so much - they would have to perform an emergency sweep once they pulled out of light speed to assess the true nature of the situation. What they did have were five rough shapes to denote potential enemy fleet positions around the circumference of the solar system.

Also appearing to scan the same map table (although they were really looking at their own) was the hologram of Admiral Stentz of the supercarrier OSC Cataphract. He had overall command of the Outreman fleet, as well as the largest Outreman ship they had brought. It wasn't as new or deadly-per-tonne as the Barbarossa, but it was still a fearsome warship. Also present were captains for the three other capital ships in the Human fleet. They were spread between all five battle groups between them, and would be responsible for controlling all Outreman elements within that composite team.

The last two people that Andersen could see were the Barbarossa’s AI, Nelson, and Lord High Admiral Hale. He was being beamed in with a significant time delay from Outremer as he’d personally expressed an interest in being included. He was one of their civilisation’s most experienced Naval officers, after all.

“Can we jump in all together, then split up once we have more situational awareness?” Andersen asked.

“The exercise brief states that a rapid response is needed to counter all five elements at once, before they can complete their objectives in the system.” Nelson’s small blue avatar offered from his position on the map table.

“Then we assume a helical formation to start, to cover more vectors.” Stentz boomed.
[hr]
The science vessel was a hive of activity, with people making last minute preparations for the expedition. In one equipment room, the Sacred Band and Void Company were putting on their suits and tooling up with a cacophony of satisfying metal clicks and bangs. The exercise parameters were clear that ship boarding and combat was not off the table, so the teams were getting ready for all eventualities.

Of course, it was unlikely that the exercise planners had anything too disruptive in mind for their vessel. They would know that the ship had an ulterior mission which required most of their attention. The Sacred Band were in actuality preparing for the possibility of being deployed on solid ground.