Fuzzybootz
Hari
Iracebeth
Jumbus[ Security Central | Communications & Dispatch ]
[ Post-Launch | Ark-wide Alert Status ]
“...Devastators...and all hell's breaking loose because of it…”
”...this ship is a sitting duck…”
“...we’re not soldiers for god’s sake…”
Gavon caught fragments of the circulating comments within the room, but enough to get the overall mood that fell on the hearts and minds of the many serving under him. Even amongst the incessant chatter throughout Security Central’s main communications and dispatch room, offline whispers to nearby co-workers didn’t seem to help an already dire situation, but left a heavy mist of doubt that could be cut with a knife. The Chief felt an obligation, even moreso now, to ensure his team that as long as protocol was followed and everyone did as instructed, then the process should run smoothly and efficiently. But, to him, it sounded too damn standard textbook, and at the height of current tensions within the ranks, would seem more likely he was just telling them what they wanted to hear.
Gavon quickly glanced over at Natalie, who was busily working at a terminal with NO4H to keep tabs on network infrastructure and firewall integrity. She’d always been a much better poster child for the position of “morale officer”, and even in her days as squad leader for planetside “relief convoy” security, she had a way with words that seemed to instill courage in the meekest of soldiers. But the focus of his speech at that moment wasn’t so much on the field Agents as it was on his comms & dispatch team within the very heart of SecCen, the essential lifeblood of the operation, as their meddle would be tested and retested each day.
“Just get it over with” He finally mumbled to himself, before switching off his headset to address the room.
“Listen up folks, I’m going to keep this brief and to the point...” The room volume lowered slightly, although a few were still in communication with Agents, but kept their voices to a dull roar.
“You all knew this was coming. Maybe not when and where, but you knew nevertheless. Although now is the time to put away the fears and doubts that have surfaced for no other reason than our minds deciding to fuck with us, and plant seeds of discouragement. You guys are better than that! And shit isn’t over until the last of those damned alien assholes have been vaporized.”
A few cheered and clapped, but quickly silenced realizing the Chief wasn’t finished.
“But out there in space…” Gavon motions his hand toward a monitor showing the events unfolding. “That’s not our job right now. Our job is to protect and serve the crew and our Agents within this metal beast. So cut the bullshit, and get your head in the game!”
There was a brief pause, until the comms team leader yelled out from the corner seat. “Now you slackers can clap!”
A resounding applause washed through the room, and Natalie, with a big grin on her face, shot her husband a reassuring wink before redirecting her attention to work.
“Alright!” The Chief concluded. “Let’s finish what we started.”
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The Ark’s internal defense measures were coming together as previously planned, most of which every Agent had trained for months in advance. The Vitae was large enough that every nook and cranny of a ship her size had to be covered -level by level- through schematic reviews, tours, drills, and various other repetitious training to ensure the Agents guiding and protecting citizens knew where they were going, and the quickest most efficient paths to take on foot in the event of transit system malfunctions. Being boarded was, of course, a possibility if the enemy decided it worth the risk, so all entry points known (and a few concealed) were covered by patrols as well as proximity alarms interfaced with NO4H, which were programmed to scan for possible hull breaches as well as any non-human presence.
The hope is, if a breach occurred, the ship would be on Ark-wide alert well in advance and additional armed Agents could be deployed to breach points, facing an unknown enemy few soldiers could mentally prepare for.
If outside factors weren’t enough, the larger problem was civil unrest, as various levels reported riots breaking out and mobs of people who were more concerned with their own lives than their neighbors. Heavily armored suppression teams were sent in to break up the larger groups of rioters, pushing them back and away from direct traffic of civilians being ushered to their quarters or safer areas.
“Chief, per your earlier request, Disaster Bunker preparations in Cryo, Archives, and Eden are being made and associated lead personnel have been notified.”
“Perfect, alert me when they've checked in.”
There was an uneasiness when anything related to a “disaster” was the topic of discussion, even moreso when those shelters were situated within vital areas of the ship and susceptible to unauthorized civilian activity. Despite safety and security measures put in place, however, there's always a chance for property damage, but it's a small price to pay when lives are at stake.
“Sir, we have an urgent request from Doctor Melanie Larson asking approval for an emergency visitation to a patient on Level 16, Sector 12.”
“The same ‘Larson’ involved with the dispute at the The Siren’s Call pub earlier today?”
“Affirmative.”
“Denied.” Gavon said flatly. “We have too much erratic activity out in the main corridors and I don't need a hyped-up shrink roaming around the ship. I'm sure her ‘patient’ can wait until we've jumped the hell out of this meat grinder.”
“Copy that Chief, I'll advise her immediately.”
TreVayne turned to the holo-table behind him currently showing a breakdown of the Vitae section-by-section, and reviewed the current evac progress throughout all non-essential zones, as well as Agent positioning and equal distribution. Even though him and his team’s primary focus and resources were on the ship’s internal protection, he couldn’t help but wonder just what the hell was really going on outside of the metal walls. Sure, it was easy enough to call up a detailed report and visual of the fighter squadron’s actions as it played it out, but what good would that serve?
