Deep Space 2 Marines: Stories

The USS Octavianus Missions (2564-2567)

USS Octavianus: Specifications



After the Action...

Introduction

December 14, 2564. The frigate USS Octavianus, Assault-Class has left spacedock for her first trip out of the solar system, under command of Captain Jack London. It is a huge change transfering from a Picker-Class vessel to an Assault-Class starship. Although basicly a ship is a ship, the Assault-Class vessel has better defensive systems and weapons to cause serious damage and destruction. On top of that, the Assault-Class starship is equiped with two brand new Alpha 3 engines. It is clear that time has catched up on the evolution of three dimensional way of thinking and High Command could not neglect this technology, especially because the close by empires, produced this kind of technology as well, or just bought it, or even stole it.

Senior Staff of the USS Octavianus:



Top Menu




The First USS Octavianus Mission: Escort The USS Everest

It has been a long time of waiting and supervising the build up of the Assault-Class USS Octavianus. But finally the ship was ready to go. Being the nineteenth ship of her class the Octavianus, Command engineers had learned a lot about this ship and inprovements had been made successfully. This ship was almost the most perfect ship of her class. After a first stop at Station 612, Captain Jack London assembled his senior staff for the first time. He was an older human male, experienced, but also a bit blunt at times, especially during battle. Although the Octavianus was a brand new ship, part of the crew had served together for almost nine years. Most of the senior staff officers knew each other for even more than 15 years. The USS Octavianus was a frigate, with an extended complement of science officers aboard. But they all still had to settle in and Captain London explained to his staff that the first mission was to warm up this ship and crew. Even First Officer, Commander Louise Vasquez could only agree. She had been with Jack London for 12 years, checking on everything he did, and questionning his every action. That was what the Captain liked best, someone who stepped on his toes once in a while. The USS Octavianus had to escort the USS Everest, a freighter going to Alpha 352 for the pickup of ore. Head Quarters Command found an escort necessary as two freighters had been attacked by a few pirate ships in only one month. Although both freighters had returned to Station 612, both of them had been damaged and some of the crewmembers had been injured. No explanation could be given about these Pirates. No data was available.

December 15, 2564, Captain Jack London: Personal Log

One hour ago the USS Octavianus has joined the USS Everest at Station 612. The Octavianus will escort the Everest to Alpha 352. Although I don't expect to much trouble, we can't be careful enough on this mission. I have ordered Commander Louise Vasquez to organise some red alert drills among the way. I took the time to make a tour of this new USS Octavianus as well. Of course I knew the Assault-Class ship years before, but this is the real thing. My staff is already used to me for years and that takes it a little bit easier on all of us. We have to get acquainted with these new kind of systems. A starship is a starship, but the jump from Picker-Class to Assault-Class isn't something to be taken lightly. The ship's crew on the USS Octavianus is almost two times as big as on the Picker-Class. In a way I am grateful to Head Quarters Command to get this mission to get to know this ship a little better. Alpha 3 systems are nothing to joke about. If we would have been send to the Beta Quadrant to investigate some of the temporal anomalies, that mission would have taken a bit longer than usual. Anyway, I am happy to have a new ship and I am sure that the staff thinks the same way. I have full trust in Chief Engineer Lieutenant Helena Wartborski who served with us before and who had the chance to assist me with the final touch of this ship when it was constructed so she had the time to learn and knows her stuff.

End Log

The voyage to Alpha 352 would take sixteen days. This seemed a lot but Lieutenant Commander Udo Bernstein new that that would just be enough to clean the ship. With two freighters damaged and out, the USS Everest had to step in. The last cargo of the Everest were rare plants from Giluna III, and the cargo bays of the ship had to be cleaned extensively. Bernstein, although at rank a Lieutenant Commander was in command of the freighter USS Everest. He knew that the ore from Alpha 352 could not be mixed with anything else. These sixteen days were going to be days of hard work in three shifts. Berstein had not hidden his happyness about the company of a starship. He had been informed about the attacks on freighters on this route during the last month. With a starship in his shadow, he felt a lot safer. One of the freighters attacked some time ago was the USS Coral, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Josephine Weathers. Josephine had been in the same year at the Academy as Bernstein. Luckily there were no fatal casualties. Both officers probably regretted now that they had chosen for the more easy way of space travel. Berstein would have liked a heavily armed vessel right now, but he had made his choice and now it was to late. That was also the main reason why he was very happy to have Captain Jack London escorting the Everest. Captain London's ship was a frigate, which should not be messed with, certainly not by a few pirate fighter ships.

The first three days of the journey everyone on the USS Octavianus settled in. Most of the systems had been running diagnostics and especially the weapon systems were tested thoroughly. There was probably nothing going to happen, but Captain London wanted things done. He wanted his ship and crew ready. He had contact with Lieutenant Commander Bernstein only a few times, just to tell him what to do when they would be attacked. A battle plan had been formed but two days later the crew of the USS Octavianus still seemed to spend more time having parties and sports tournements than they ever would. That was the perfect time for a red alert drill. The results of this drill were not very good. When captain London got his senior staff together for debriefing, they all knew what was the matter. This crew was taking this mission a bit to easy. Nobody was really convinced that a freighter would be attacked by some Pirates, if it was escorted by a heavily armed frigate. Time for some more drills had come and the crew realised that the Captain meant business. They also realised that they'd better be ready as maybe during this mission nothing might happen, but next mission could be an entirely different thing. The morale was excellent when the Octavianus and the Everest arrived at Alpha 352. New drill records had been broken and the Octavianus crew had spend a lot of time running battle simulations and not for parties. Even the scientists under expert leadership of Lieutenant Cora Droman, started to have fun and tried to beat security trying to be more creative and faster, but until now the Security Division had not been beaten. After all, they were the professionals and Chief of Security Lieutenant Commander John Texas was a tough devil.

Loading the USS Everest had taken only one full day. A Command frigate was responsable for defending the mine on Alpha 352 and the Octavianus crew could take this day for relaxation. In the mean time Captain London reviewed the last reports and tried to find a flaud in the battleplans. Some of these plans he and his staff had been using for years and always had had success. Sixteen days was not enough to drill completely new battleplans so he would use them. Now that a fully loaded freighter would return the possibility of an attack was getting more real but although these Pirates had only a few ships, precautions had to be taken. It still was not clear why the freighters were attacked.

December 31, 2564 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

The USS Everest has been loaded and we are back heading to Station 612 for the delivery of the ore. I don't know what to expect, but if any pirate gives us any trouble we will show them what this ship is capable of. The crew and I are getting familiar with the USS Darwin and I am very proud that I can still have the same confidence in my senior staff than I had over the past years. Commander Louise Vasquez showed again her ability to command and deligate. She is ready to command her own ship, but there is a lot of competition from other First Officers. She knows that. Maybe in the next round she will get a chance. It's funny really. Now that we have our new ship, she is still under my command. Oh sure, she received a promotion from Lieutenant Commander to Commander, but it could be interpreted as this promotion only came with this bigger ship. And, oh Lord, this ship is indeed much bigger than we are used to. I must say though that there are rumors that two hundred years ago, ships were really huge. Ships of a thousand meters long... Our largest battleship is almost two hundred meters long and has four decks. I don't believe that there were once bigger ships than that, but it is nice to dream about, especially on the last evening of a new year. Tonight we will all celebrate new year on the surface of Alpha 352. The mining facility has an excellent restaurant and a great bar.

End Log

The new year party on Alpha 352, celebrating 2565, was a big hit, but during the first day of the new year, Captain London kept his crew busy with drills and simulations, mostly for security, operations and the engineers. Head aches were no reason not be fit and fast. Every officer and crewman had to be able to do anything in any circomstances. That was Captain London's policy. The almost fifteen scientists aboard took some time to read the latest reports and publications, but were also involved in some of the drills. To much drills were not good, but some of them were an excellent exercise. During the next sixteen days this crew would be ready for any fight. Captain London had planned to reduce the number of drills after this mission. The crew had to be alert if needed. It proved to be effective. After only four days sensors detected three small ships manned by two persons following the Octavianus and the Everest. Chief of Security Lieutenant Commander John Texas didn't want to risk the Everest by investigating these bogeys. Captain London agreed. As long as those ships didn't do anything wrong, there was no need to intervene. Besides this could be a distraction to lure the Octavianus away from the Everest. Captain London knew his orders: do not fire until fired upon. As long as nothing happened and the Everest would arrive safely at Station 612, the mission would be a success. That was the only thing that mattered. Tension increased when another three bogeys appeared directly on the route of the Octavianus and Everest. These three ships were at least one day away, but it became clear that without support of a starship, these Pirates wanted to get their hands on the cargo of the USS Everest. Captain London was not provoked by the presence of these three more bogeys. But when another four bogeys were detected, Captain London called ordered yellow alert. This was getting serious. He contacted Head Quarters Command about the situation and just in case the battleship USS Denver was dispatched from Station 612 for assistance. The Denver would arrive in three days at maximum speed. But the crews of the Octavianus and Everest kept being nervous. Apparently the pirats had detected the USS Denver or had intercepted communications between the Octavianus and Head Quarters Command. They decided to make their move. They realised that if they could take out or dissable that starship, the freighter would be theirs.

Red alert !

They came from all sides, but the USS Octavianus was ready. The only thing the Octavianus crew hoped for, was that the Pirates would not use projectile weapons. The USS Octavianus had defensive systems against those weapons, but the USS Everest had not. And if the Everest should be hit by projectile weapons like torpedos or missiles, the repairs would take at least a few days. Being a full day on yellow alert, the step up to red alert was easier. Captain London asked the approaching bogeys for their identification, but there was no reply. Scanning the vessels revealed that these Pirates would not be a threat to the Octavianus, but the Everest could be damaged seriously in a battle. It was still not clear what these Pirates wanted. It had to be clear to them that they could never get their hands on the cargo of the USS Everest. The Octavianus moved closer to the Everest to protect her. It seemed that the Pirates had expected that maneuver and attacked from all sides, doing some damage to the Everest in their first wave. If this kind of attack would continue, the Everest could even be destroyed, before the Octavianus would have destroyed all the enemy ships. Captain London had no choice as to move the Octavianus away from the Everest to give his ship the necessary space to maneuver. He did this movement as soon as the second wave of the Pirates came closer. The Octavianus moved and fired all weapons. Only one out of ten pirate ships were destroyed and one was almost completely disabled. Captain London send out a warning message to the other Pirates that if they would attack again, they would be fired upon as well. The Pirates didn't seem to care and a third attack wave was already on its way. But the Octavianus intercepted a group of four pirate ships before they were in range to fire on the Everest. The four ships were destroyed without any further warning. The entire senior staff of the USS Octavianus knew their Captain very well. Captain London would not give a second warning in battle. He just didn't. But the other pirate ships were now free to engage the USS Everest. The Everest took some damage, but the Octavianus returned in time. At this moment the remaining pirate Captains must have realised that this was a lost cause and they ran at maximum speed away from the Everest and Octavianus. The USS Octavianus joined the USS Everest again and it was time to evaluate the damage. There was no cargo lost, there were no wounded, but the Everest had some serious damage. Captain London send over a team of engineers to the Everest to help with repairs. The Octavianus herself had no damage at all. The Octavianus shielding effeciency had dropped to 72%, but that was something only a few engineers could handle. Head Quarters Command was informed and Captain London was sure this attack would be of serious concern to Head Quarters Command. The next trips of the freighters going to Alpha 352, would include escorting starships. There was no doubt about it.

January 16, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

We have arrived at Station 612. The USS Denver had joined us the last two days of the journey and nothing significant happened. Apparently the Pirates had learned a lesson. Lieutenant Commander Bernstein thanked me for the useful company. He complemented me for that great maneuver attacking the Pirates in stead of stay put and wait until the Pirates could have damaged his ship permanently. Staying with the Everest would indeed have lead to a possible disaster. The Pirates would have been able to attack from all sides and the we had to shoot them down one by one. The other pirate ships could have done serious damage to the Everest that way. I explained to Bernstein, like he pointed out, there was not much of a choice. It had become clear now that these Pirates were not planning to steal cargo, but destory it. The ore was only used as a mean of trade with the Caladians and the Caladians were very very very peaceful, not even technological advanced as we are. I complemented the crew for their excellent performance during this mission. The exercises and drills had proven to be very effective. The mistery of why these Pirates attacked our freighters is something that Head Quarters Command has to find out. That is not going to be our concern. The next mission is awaiting.

End Log

Top Menu




The Second USS Octavianus Mission: Negotiations

The Octavianus crew could have one party after the other on Station 612. They had at least two days to recover from the tension of battle. There had not been a battle in many years, and nobody could even remember being in a real threatening confrontation. Oh sure, there had been simmulations, but that was not the real thing. On Station 612, during one of the parties, Commander Vasquez, was informed that the Octavianus would take a few diplomats to the Betel System. It seemed that they hadn't heard the last of these Pirates, who claimed to have the real truth and the historical facts of the missing part of human history. It was clear nobody believed these Pirates who were considered a violent religious group. The Octavianus crewmen, more drunk than sober declared that they would teach these Pirates a lesson they would never forget. Commander Vasquez could only grin. Maybe she just felt good, or maybe she had to much to drink herself, but she joined the crew who was singing and cheering...

January 19, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

I have given the crew a few days of shore leave because the performance of the crew during our first mission was very good. Some of my officers find me to be an angry old man, but I don't mind. I have the responsability to take care of them, whatever they think of me. This morning we left Station 612 with a few diplomats aboard. I have not received much information about this mission, only that I have to take three diplomats to the Betel system. The only thing I know is that these Pirates are becoming a more serious problem. They have executed a raid on a science post on Betel Prime and hostages have been taken. It is necessary we get there as fast as possible, not to mention to get the hostages free. But that is up to the diplomats...

End Log

January 19, 2565 Commander Kate Var: Personal Log

I have come aboard the USS Octavianus unnoticed. My black ops techniques have been successful. I feel a little guilty not to be able to inform the Captain that I am aboard, but the Admirality has given me explicit orders not to announce my presence to anyone, not even to three diplomats, among who, Professor Calderona, one of my father's best friends. Small universe isn't it? My mission will be to free the hostages on Betel Prime, whatever the cost. The Admirality does not believe the attempts of the diplomats will achieve the freedom of the hostages...

End Log

During the voyage to Betel Prime, one of the first colonies after the big war was only populated by a dozen colonists, continuing the terraforming process of the planet, which had been started about a hundred years earlier, before the war. Not much had been found of that period and many legends and even some myths had found their way into human kind. A part of history of the human species had been whiped, erased, deleted and nobody had any clue. The True Historians as they called themselves had decided that they could use all means to prove the gap in history, but Military Head Quarters just called them Pirates. The actions of the Pirates had increased the last months and this hostage situation was the last thing to be expected, but public opinion had changed to the side of the military.

Captain London returned the Octavianus to regular duties, but kept a few surprise drills to keep his crew ready for anything. He didn't exactly expect an attack from the Pirates, but these last actions were very disturbing. This was certainly not the way to get attention to any proposals. These True Historians had become terrorists and they should have known that no one could give in to their demands...

January 28, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

At exactly 14.00 hours, I have ordered Lieutenant Cora Droman to initiate a standard orbit around Betel Prime. We have to wait now until the Pirates contact us. I have also ordered Harry to scan the planet for any lifeforms so we might be able to find out were the hostages are located. First sensor logs indicate thzere is no humanoid life on the planet's surface, so we have to scan under the surface. This will take more time, but it is clear now that a rescue operation, if needed is not recommended. At 14.27 we had first contact with the Pirates. Our diplomats have agreed to see the Pirates aboard my vessel. They have lifted off from the surface in some kind of shuttlecraft and will dock on our starboard docking slot. I have posted two guards at the airlock, where the three diplomats will take over and the negotiations can start. Actually, now I come to think of it these diplomats have never ben formally introduced to me. I guess that they want this case to end as fast and as good as they can, and it is probably none of my business how they handle things...

End Log

January 28, 2565 Commander Kate Var: Personal Log

We have been in orbit of Betel Prime for three hours. The delegation of the Pirates are now aboard the Octavianus. I have packed my equipment and located the Pirates head quarters 64 meters below the planet's surface. There are only two of them, holding eight hostages according the DNA scan. The cave is accessable by a slow decending tunnel of 689 meters, with only one entrance, which is the exit at the same time and is artificial made. This means these Pirates have either build this cave themselves or someone else did. The digging must have taken at least two months. Perhaps the scientists have discovered the Pirates and have been captured at that time. That is of course only speculation. I will investigate and free the hostages. We can interrogate the Pirates later. That means I have to take at least one prisoner...

End Log

The Pirates left the USS Octavianus at 17.12. This was the first time the three diplomats had a conversation with Captain Jack London. The diplomatic leader, Professor Calderona, informed Captain London about the good progress they have made. The two Pirates were going back to the planet to deliberate with the group. Unknown to the Pirates there is a black ops officer aboard their craft. Commander Kate Var let them land the craft and followed them at a distance into the tunnel. She could use any weapon now, but she had to take care that the hostages would not be hurt. She could use the moment that all Pirates were together to discuss the situation. She waited for about two minutes and then bursted in fired six times, killing two and wounded the two other Pirates with her precision shots. Quickly she took one of the Pirates and forced him to contact the USS Octavianus to signal their surrender. While she freed the hostages a shuttlecraft under command of Lieutenant Commander John Texas landed at the entrance of the tunnel...

January 29, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

I still don't understand what has happened. I had the impression negotiations were running smoothly, but apparently the Pirates had an argument among themselves which led to a fight, killing two of the Pirates. Anyway, the hostages are safe, and that is the only thing that matters. I have already informed Head Quarters and asked to be cautious. These Pirates could plan a retaliation. I am still confused. Professor Calderona had no explanation either. He told me the Pirates only wanted to be listened to and be able to present their evidence of history. Although the Professor didn't agree with the way the Pirates had handled things, he could only explain that only really desperate people would do such a thing. I could only agree. We found some old artifacts in the cave, which will be examined by our scientists on the way back to Station 612. The two wounded Pirates have been put in the brig, where they have received medical attention from doctor Camroto and his staff. John Texas will interrogate the prisoners as I still believe they are some kind of terrorists, although I must confess I find their demands a bit strange and the way they handle is certainly not the right way.

End Log

January 30, 2565 Commander Kate Var: Personal Log

I managed to get aboard the Octavianus unnoticed again. chief of Security John Texas should be more careful, but I guess black ops technology is superior. My biosigns were masked and getting aboard when everyone left the shuttlebay was a walk in the park. On a ship like this with a crew of eighty most officers know eachother and it is difficult to disguise as one of them. I had to crawl through six maintenance tubes to get to the small room which I used during this mission. I sorted out my gear and got some sleep. The tension has been at a peak. This has been my 24th mission in four months. It is time I had some shore leave, but I expect to be send away as soon as the Octavianus docks at station 612. What a job...

End Log

The USS Octavianus under command of Captain Jack London docked at Station 612 on February 8, 2565. Unknown to the entire crew, a black ops officer left the ship unnoticed. She had accomplished her mission. Get at least one Pirate alive and free the hostages without getting them into trouble. The USS Octavianus scientists had examined the artifacts as being unknown pieces of equipment, probably belonging to an older civilization indigenous to Betel Prime. It was highly unlikely the pieces were technology from the human race from the so called gap in history. But it was certainly an excellent reason to send a science ship to the Betel System for a full scale research mission. Scientists are always looking for answers.
The two Pirates were locked up to be brought to trial for kidnapping and terrorisme.

Top Menu




The Third USS Octavianus Mission: Asteroid

There had been a war about a hundred years ago. Not much had been found of that period and many legends and even some myths had found their way into the human race which had been colonizing the Galaxy again since about that a hundred years. Some didn't call it colonizing, but blamed the war to be the main reason why the hman race had spread throughout the Galaxy. A part of history of the human species had been whiped, erased, deleted and nobody had any clue. The True Historians as they called themselves had decided that they could use all means to prove the gap in history, but Military Head Quarters just called them Pirates. The most interesting myth, told by the elder, was that there used to be many races in the Galaxy. But those stories were waved away by scientists, who had not found any evidence of other races in the Galaxy. More than a quarter of the Galaxy had been mapped during the last 50 years by ships and probes. No other form of intelligent life had been found yet. But the pirates, rebels, who called themselves True Historians, had announced that they had found evidence that there were lots of alien civilizations maybe only a hundred and fifty years ago. But established scientists put this evidence aside, explaning that these pieces of metal with a few markings on them could be anything. The True Historians took this as insults and now tried to get attention, with violent actions...

February 13, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

The USS Octavianus has set course to sector 423 to investigate star system 423-12 that has three planets of which the second planet, called Grend after it's discoverer Maximillian Grend, is suitable for colonisation. There is a small station in orbit of the second planet of this system. Station 411 will be our host for the upcoming six weeks. We will bring supplies and an additional group of scientists. Although I am planning a few more surprise drills, this should be an easy journey. We need eight days to get to Grend and after six weeks of patroling and helping out the scientists aboard 411, the mission should end with success and the planet Grend should be able to accept it's first colonists. I am really looking forward to this mission as we can watch the beginning of a new colony. The USS Octvianus will be in the history books of the colonists on Grend. That is an honor.

End Log

The 83 meters long USS Octavianus was on her way to Grend setting the crew to ease. They all knew that this would be a relaxing trip. There would be lots of time to catch up with the latest technology for the Engineers, the Security personnel finally had some time to upgrade the sensor systems and the Medical Staff organised a Bandball tournement, under the motto: keep healthy in sports. One of the Security units was the absolute favorite. Captain London even had time to make an extensive tour on the ship. It had been at least three weeks ago since his last tour. The Captain's tour gave Commander Vasquez the chance to be in command of the bridge and the ship. The Captain had retreated. He had found his First Officer ready for her own command, but she had refused one offer already. apparently she wanted to stay in the same team. The Captain had to confess he was really happy Vasques had stayed in the USS Octavianus team. It had been a success team for many many years. That was the time Captain London was in command of the Picker-class USS Romando, a one deck explorer. Although the USS Romando was much smaller than the USS Octavianus, she was a fine ship and she saved the crew many times. Space was full of unexpected danger.

"Yellow Alert ! Captain to the bridge!"

February 17, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

Our upgraded sensors have detected an unidentified ship following us about ten hours behind. After one hour, changing course a few times, the ship is still following us. I am getting concerned that the so called True Historians are on our back again. I surely hope not. After getting back to our original course I held a senior staff meeting on the bridge. Lieutenant Commander Texas suggested to leave a dozen of mines, but that would be inappropriate as we didn't know who was on that ship. The ship was of an unknown design and Head Quarters couldn't give me any answers. The only advice they could give me was to be careful and try to get to know as much about the ship as I could. I would have figured that out myself. Head Quarters wasn't exactly a huge help now. We had to know more about this ship, especially it's fire power and defensive capabilities. The crew is getting nervous. That unknown ship is still following at the same distance. When we changed speed and course, that ship just matched our speed and course. Vasquez already suggested we should turn around and get them, and she wasn't joking. I said I would take her advice in considderation. And the more I think of it, the more I like that idea. But there is one problem. If we have to hunt that ship, we will be late for the rendez-vous at station 411. It is even possible this unknown ship wants to lure us away. I have just ordered to proceed to station 411 with everything we've got.

End Log

The USS Octavianus Chief Engineer Lieutenant Helena Wartborski put her officers at work. All the available power was given to the propulsion systems. After half an hour the mysterious ship in pursuit of the USS Octavianus coulnd't keep up the speed. Captain London couldn't be more pleased. Chief Engineer Wartborsky really earned her nickname "Engy". Captain London ordered to keep this speed. The Octavianus would arrive at station 411 twelve hours earlier, but that would not pose any problem. The Engines of the Octavianus proved their capabilities and 14 hours earlier than planned the USS Octavianus arrived at station 411. Chief Scientist of 411, Professor Mathew Coldoban welcomed the Octavianus crew and especially the new scientists. They would be able to make themselves very useful almost imediately. Coldoban asked Captain London to investigate a small asteroid in orbit of the star of the 423-12 star system. The scientists had calculated a collision of the asteroid and the planet Grend would be unavoidable. Maybe the Octavianus could destroy the asteroid before it hit the planet Grend. But the asteroid was rather large...

February 23, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

I have ordered to set course to an asteroid called T-5, in orbit of the 432-12 star. We have powerful weapons, but I am not sure we can destroy the asteroid. Planet Grend should be preserved if possible. The planet looks like paradise for possible colonists. But they were all a bit scared to go down to the surface. The asteroid T-5 will hit the planet Grend in 162 days, so there is still some time to figure out what we are going to do to stop the asteroid. We will arrive at the asteroid in one hour and we will coordinate with Professor Coldoban to produce a plan to get planet Grend out of danger, without any risks for ourselves and the ship.

End Log

After consulting with the senior staff and Professor Coldoban, the Octavianus crew got all systems at peak efficiency. All those drills payed of again, and Captain London couldn't be more pleased with his crew. Torpedos were specially prepared to penetrate the surface of the asteroid to explode and break up the asteroid in a million pieces, innocent pieces. As the time of the fire command was approaching, the crew got a little more nervous. But they all knew their jobs and Captain London had nothing to worry about. The asteroid was 702 meters long, 321 meters wide and 291 meters thick. 17 torpedos were needed to let the T-5 Asteroid be destroyed completely. Calculations followed calculations and finally all simmulations promissed success. Nothing could go wrong.

March 6, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

We are now in the perfect position to fire the torpedos. I can only complement the crew for their extended work. The rumor on the ship goes that we are the world savers. I am sure that we go into history of the first colonists of the planet Grend. It's funny really, but sometimes I find it very awarding to be able to do something which seems so fatuous to others but most important to ourselves. But now it is time for the action.

End Log

The USS Octavianus turned and made her final approach to Asteroid T-5. All weapons were ready and Lieutenant Commander John Texas was ready for the shots. The Captain's order came and John Texas went into Grend history as the officer who pushed the fire buttons. The torpedos were away on their destructive course. Only 16 seconds later the asteroid exploded in tiny pieces. But there was something strange. The Asteroid dissapeared and for a very brief moment it seemed like a huge starship was revealing itself. A huge ship of maybe 40 decks and at least 600 meters long. But just for a moment... Then the ship dissapeared in the explosion of Asteroid T-5. After looking at the sensor logs again and again there was no doubt anymore. The crew of the USS Octavianus had seen a huge ship of an unknown design. Unknown to the Octavianus crew there was a ship in the neighbourhood, watching the actions of the Octavianus crew. The name of the ship was Revolution, the flagship of the True Historians, made by the rebels themselves, following ancient blueprints. The Revolution had more sophisticated systems aboard then any regular ship in the military fleet and could not be detected by the Octavianus nor station 411. In command of the Revolution was Captain Hound... Captain Hound received the same data as the Octavianus crew. When it was all over Hound ordered to change course away from the planet Grend. He had the information he wanted.
The heat of the explosion vaporized the entire asteroid, or whatever it had been. There were no traces of a ship, only basic elements... Captain London had mixed feelings. Could it be true that the True Historians were right after all ? Or was this somekind of joke. Talking about jokes... the joke among the Octavianus crew was that they had discovered a ship on which the crew had fallen asleep and the ship had gathered so much dust around it through the years that it looked like an asteroid...

Top Menu




The Fourth USS Octavianus Mission: In Command

In the officer's bar of the USS Octavianus, there was always someone to talk to. If there wasn't another crewmember, sipping his last drink of the evening, there was always James Jackson, the bartender. He was always there, seemed not to need any sleep and was always ready for small talk or listen to any other talk coming from a crewmember... James was always there. It was like he had been always there. It was rather funny sometimes that a lot of crewmembers had more contact with James, the bartender, then with their own superiors. What did you expect when you were traveling through space at high speeds, far way from home...

March 28, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

We are on our way to Gosnaba to deliver some medical supplies. In principle an Assault-Class frigate like the USS Octavianus is not used for this kind of missions, but the colony on Gosnaba desperately needs those medical supplies and we have the fastest ship available in this region. As this trip will take us six days, I have only planned two battle drills. Some of the junior officers have received other duties to expand their knowledge about the FTL drive and weapon systems.We have a new officer aboard, Ensign Guy Quibalez. This is his first mission. Maybe it is better this way that the young Ensign can get to know the ship and crew in an easy manner in stead of having to jump right into the action. We have not heard from any action of the True Historians in a week... Well I guess there is nothing more to report. I am going to have a drink and have a chat with James. A Captain sometimes needs someone to talk to as well...

End Log

Captain Jack London is woken up in the middle of the night, by Chief of Security John Texas. The Captain's head still hurts. The little chat with James had become a long night. Texas reports sensors have detected a big ship on an intercept course. The ship is at least five times as big as the Octvianus herself, but there are no data yet about power signatures, weapons or defensive systems of the bogey. No contact has been established yet. Captain London knows he has to deliver the medical supplies fast and he doesn't have time to do anything else. But the bogey travels much faster than the Octavianus and London has little choice. After not having established contact after one hour red alert is initiated. Even First Officer Vasquez is certain this could be a trap or somekind of attempt to attack.

March 31, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

I am not sure, but I have the feeling, this is my last log entry. Withion ten minutes we will be intercepted by a vessel, much bigger than ours. Our sensors cannot penetrate the shielding of that ship. We are outnumbered and outgunned. If this confrontation ends up in a battle, I can only be honest and say we don't have much of a chance. We have not been able to contact this ship and things are looking bad. Head Quarters has deployed the Cougar and the Magnesium, but they will be here in nine days. And this will be over in nine minutes. I would battle these True Historians any time, but this huge ship makes me nervous. Some of the senior officers have already expressed the thought this ship is commanded by the True Historians. When we blasted that asteroid some time ago, sensors detected a big ship, for just a very short period of time. I don't think this bogey which is hunting us now, is commanded by the True Historians, but by the same species... Maybe this is their way of revenge... I've got to go.

End Log

Ten minutes later the USS Octavianus is under attack. With only a few shots the bogey is able to take out all the weapon systems of the Octavianus and although the Octavianus produces some really excellent evasive maneuvers the ship is captured in some kind of energy beam, emitted by the bogey. There has still not been any contact. Boarding parties of the enemy will come soon and Captain London has ordered to distribute weapons to everyone aboard, including bartender James Jackson. When smaller vessels are launched from their mothership the entire crew of the Octavianus realises this is it. This is most likely their last fight. They will make every shot a good one. The first invading ship makes contact with the Octavianus hull with a loud bang.

March 31, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log, Supplemental

We are under attack and only a miracle can safe us now. I have initiated the autodestruct sequence, which will be activated in 5 minutes. No enemy will get this ship. None. Our crew is determined to defend this ship to the last man and do as much damage as they can possibly do. Although I must admit, we don't have a lot of options, there is one thing we can still try. I haven't told anyone, not even Louise. She has been a great XO on this ship and on all the other ships we served on. I hate to see it all end like this. At least Head Quarters has been informed about a possible invasion. And there is this other thing...We've still got one hope...

End Log

In the Octavianus bar, James Jackson is looking at the rifle and pistol he has just received from the security officer. This time there was no time for a chat. James realizes that this was it. He puts the weapons away behind the bar. Then he opens a small drawer. In the drawer there is a small computer terminal...

Security troops have to retreat. There are to many enemies. They look human. They fire on everything that moves. Back to deck one. The hull has breached on all other decks. This is going to be the shortest battle in history.

Aboard the bogey stands Captain Hound. This Captain is known for his drastic actions. Although there are True Historians who want a peacefull sollution to get attention, most of the others are not scientists, but real rebbels. They only see deploying power as the way to convince the government that they are right. These True Historian rebbels have found blueprints of ships of so much power and possibilities, they now see their chance to use these ships as a way to dictate the government what to do and to recognize what the government has failed to believe all these years.

But James Jackson is on his way to deck one, still holding the portable terminal when he arrives at the security officers who make their last stand. James pushes a few buttons. The Octavianus shakes heavily. First Officer Vasquez reports the ship is free from the energy beam. As a matter of defense, all decks below deck one have been filled with a toxic gas. The Octavianus crew does not surrender easily.

April 1, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

The enemy has retrated from our ship. This can only mean one thing. They will destroy us with the powerful weapons of their ship. If you can't capture it, destroy it... We used to do that in simmulations at the academy as well. The crew has defended the ship beautifully. We only had one casualty. Young Ensign Guy Quibalez, who was shot in the shoulder, but according the doctor he will recover. That is of course if the Octavianus survives a ship to ship battle. I have had to admit that our bartender was not a bartender, and his name was not James Jackson. The man is Special Operations Officer Lieutenant Darren Faithfull. Since the increasing activities of the True Historians, Head Quarters decided every ship would not leave without a special operations officer aboard. Head Quarters suspects there are informants in the fleet and they want to know who and where. Well, there are no spies on the Octavianus. I have changed the time setting of the autodestruct system.

End Log

Darren Faithfull, aka James Jackson had been able to access the main computer of the Bogey ship, carrying the name: Revolution. When Captain Hound on the Revolution gave the order to fire all weapons, nothing happened. The Octavianus tries to escape but the Revolution is much fatser and catches up in no time. Everybody now knows that Lieutenant Faithfull is a specioal operations officer, but they also know that the actions of this officer cannot hold off the Revolution for ever. As soon as the weapon systems are back on line, Captain London orders to fire, but the Octavianus weapon systems do not have much effect. Then suddenly Lieutenant Faithfull reports that he is able to access the autodestruct system of the Revolution. He asks Captain London for orders. The Captain himself knows that the weapons of the Revolution can be operational. After a fast talk with his senior officers Captain London orders Lieutenant Faithfull to activate the autodestruct systems of the Revolution. The Lieutenant executes the order. Captain London contacts the Revolution, but without success.There is no reply in any form.

April 3, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

We are in orbit of Gosnaba and the medical supplies have been delivered. Most of the systems of our ship have been repaired and we are ready again to start with a new mission. I still regret a little bit that we haven't been able to contact the Revolution. That was a huge ship and Head Quarters has already assembled a small fleet as the primary defense force for Earth. Most regular missions are now done by ships with an escort ship. Although we showed to be able to destroy a ship like the Revolution, it is not certain who our attackers were and what they wanted. We can only hope some good of this will come in the near future.

End Log

At the headquarters of the True Historians there is a very agressive discussion. But at the end of the meeting, everyone seems to agree that Captain Hound had no right to attack any other ship and do things his way. There are only two of these ships left now and the True Historians come to the conclusion that there is still a lot to do before the human race will accept the truth about the past. From now on there will be a new directive for the True Historians. The True Historians will protect what they have build and will not make the first move to battle or destruction. But although it seems everybody agrees, some do not...

Top Menu




The Fifth USS Octavianus Mission: The Guest

The USS Octavianus is on route to communications station CS-16. On her way to Space Station 19, the USS Octavianus passes CS-16. The ship has to pick up one of the three officers on CS-16 and drop of Ensign Derabil to serve on CS-16 for six months to study everything there is to know about communications. Ensign Laura Derabil was a guest on the USS Octavianus, but Captain London had given her some duties. The trip to CS-16 would take at least seven days and the Octavianus crew could use every hand after their last mission. When the USS Octavianus arrived at CS-16, Ensign Derabil thanked Captain London personally before she left the ship. The new guest aboard was Ensign Thomas Robberts, not really brilliant officer, but punctual and ready to help when needed. and again Captain London put his guest to work. The journey to Space Station 19 would take at least 17 days.

April 12, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

All was well on CS-16. It was good to see Lieutenant Andrea Lecevic again. She had served under my command on the USS Octavianus. She had a great carreer in front of her, but she decided to get herself on a remote communications station. I don't think it was lack of ambition, but as Andrea joked "I am in command of a station, and it is all mine", I had no argument with that. There is nothing more interesting than having your own command. Anyway, we dropped of Ensign Derabil, who performed good during the week she was with us and Ensign Thomas Robberts came aboard. I have assigned him under Chief Engineer Lieutenant Helena "Engy" Wartborski. Looking at Ensign Robert's fie, I don't really know what to expect. He left the Academy only seven months ago, but Andrea was very pleased with the young Ensign's performance. Well, we'll find out soon enough. And we cannot deny him a chance to learn.

End Log

On route to Space Station 19, nothing serious was to be expected, not even a nebula to study. 17 days doing little routine jobs had to be expected. Ensign Robberts who already had a hard time studying at the academy now had to learn some more during real time situations. This was the first time he had been given an assignement on a ship. He couldn't have hoped for better. A journey of 17 days doing nothing, would take him out of his standard work-study rhythm. He especially enjoyed the things he already was familiar with. Once he had learned something and memorized it, it was locked in his memory. The only thing was that he had to focus almost energeticly, to get the data into his memory. But the first two days Ensign Robberts got to know some of the engineers, who were quite friendly and relaxed, so after five days Thomas Robberts already fitted in as if he had served his entire life on the USS Octavianus.

April 17, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

I haven't told the crew yet. I have received a message from Admiral Giuson, concerning a small group of unidentified ships, small ships, with maybe four or five people aboard. Maybe these ships have nothing to do with our latest problems, but maybe not. I have received orders not to discuss this with my crew yet, until there is more data available. But to prevent we are not ready for battle, and let's all hope it doesn't come to that, I have ordered First Officer Commander Louise Vasquez to conduct a battle drill during the night. I have given her the privilege to pick her own time, so she can surprise me as well. I feel a little guilty of not telling her about this small group of ships, but I haven't told her about every message I have received. And we have served together for more than 15 years.

End Log

Ensign Robberts awoke. 3.15 AM. My God. Red Alert. He dressed as fast as he could and got to engineering. When he arrived he was breathing heavily and he noticed there were at least three officers behind him. He had done rather good, and he almost smiled. "Engy" shouted her orders and Engineering was overloaded with officers and crewman taking their stations, even Ensign Robberts, the guest on this ship. What had happened ? It didn't look like an attack. Maybe it was just a spacial anomaly. Fact was that the main engine was off line and didn't even make a whispering sound. The entire start up procedure had to be initiated. still not sure of what caused the red alert situation, Ensign Robberts knew exactly what to do. His main job was monitoring the critical levels of the main engine. That wasn't so hard. He even had to do that on CS-16, where the officers had daily turns to monitor the main generator. So that didn't worry him. Robberts was a bit worried about the reason why he was called out of bed. He had no time to ask. He had to concentrate on his work. He gave his orders to a few crewmen engineers to make some adjustments, which they promptly did. Afterwards Robberts had been amazed that the USS Octavianus engineering team was such a well trained group...

April 21, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

After the analysis, of the two red alert drills we had in the past few days, I have seen the crew hasn't lost it's touch. even our guest Ensign Thomas Robberts fitted in very well. Maybe Robberts is not ready for promotion yet, but he has shown promisse. It is always nice to see new officers performing well, even in hard conditions. I didn't have to tell him that this wasn't exactly a communications station. Yeah, he did OK. I had to inform the crew about the small group of fighter vessels. Our sensors have detected six vessels on an intercept course. Maybe they won't be any threat, but we all know now when these ships will be encountered. At this distance it is difficult to communicate, but we have had no reply yet on our messages.

End Log

Two more days passed, before a small task group of six fighters attacked the USS Octavianus, without any warning. The Octavianus was well protected, but after the first assault there was already some hull damage on deck 2. And only one of the attackers had been eleminated. Ensign Robberts had been assigned to the repair crews and commanded two crewmen, into the danger of hull repair. If the forcefield covering the gap in the hull would colpase, all three of them would be blown into space. Not a nice ending. For a moment the USS Octavianus shook heavily after another attack. Through the ship's intercom system Captain London gave some additional orders. He sounded very calm and it gave confidence for the crew that they were not in any real danger. The USS Octavianus was a fine ship, especially to do battle. And the crew had proven themselves worthy. While Ensign Robberts and his team mates conducted repairs, the battle continued. It was certain now that the attackers were associated with the rebel group which attacked the fleet on more than several occasions. But they didn't give up easily. Only three of them were left after their last attack, but they kept coming around. Captain London had ordered to keep trying to contact the attackers, but without success. Destroying the attackers had become easy now. The USS Octavianus had much more firepower. But Captain London wanted to take prisoners. At this point information about the attackers, their strenght, their base, their intentions and motivation. These attacks were suicide, didn't they understand that ? Apparently not. Although the USS Octavianus had some moderate damage to the hull on deck 2, and lost one torpedo launcher, the ship was strong enough to withold another attack... even ten attacks... The ship trembled, but not as heavy as before and there was only minimal damage. Several torpedoes hit two attackers. They didn't have a chance. The third could get away, but came again for another run. This was getting hopeless. Ensign Robberts and his two mates who were repairing the hull on deck two, but had a clear vision on space. The last of the fighter attackers came right at them, like he was going to ram the USS Octavianus. Although Captain London had explored all options, he didn't have much choice... He ordered to destroy the enemy fighter.

April 29, 2565 Ensign Thomas Robberts: Personal Log

Most of the damage to the USS Octavianus has been repaired. Captain London has explained to me that these rebbel like fighters were still a mystery. Maybe these kind of fights would not occur anymore, but the threat remained. Most of the ships in the fleet, especially freighters, were now operating in teams of two ships or even larger convoys. I don't know what to expect on my missions, but I hope I can do some exploration on a ship, although I still have a lot to learn. We didn't have a heacvy casualty during the fight and the crew had done what they should. Captain London made a complement to the entire crew. As I considered myself one of the crew, that compliment was also meant for me. The first compliment of a Captain. We have arrived at Space Station 19. I will receive new orders here. Maybe one day I will serve on the USS Octavianus again. And let's hope that mission will be a peaceful one...

End Log

Top Menu




The Sixth USS Octavianus Mission: Unknown Past

After a weeks of repairs in the docks of Sidy II, the USS Octavianus was ready again to depart on a new mission. And this was not a mission of great importance, so there was some time in which the crew could get used to some of the upgrades. In this time of rebellion of the so called True Historians who thought they could force their ways by violent actions, new weapons had been developed and the USS Octavianus had received new pulse cannons, more powerful than the original weaponry. There was a new policy initiated by the Military Head Quarters. If these rebellious groups had found some kind of archaeological treasures which would prove human history was somewhat different than generally asumed, the military themselves were now involved in archaeological activities. The mission of the USS Octavianus was to protect the archaeological survey on a very remote planet designated as HGG9.

May 17, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

I surely hope I don't have to use those new pulse weapons. Our Senior Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Commander John Texas, is very pleased with his new toys, but as I know John for many years, he will handle that power with responsability and I have no doubt he is the most serious aboard about weapons. And most important, he knows exactly what these new weapons are capable of. Only ten minutes ago I officially ordered Lieutenant Cora Droman to set course to HGG9. It was like this was the commissioning of the ship on her first mission, but we all knew better I guess. HGG9 is a remote planet at the edge of our territory, very close to the asteroid belt surrounding our entire space. Nobody knows what is behind the asteroid belt, and I am surely not planning to find out. There have been ships send into the asteroid belt, but none of them have ever returned. Scientists believe that the asteroid belt is a natural fenomena, religious groups call it the border of the universe installed by God and according them, we are not allowed to even think of going through...

End Log

The USS Octvianus traveled at high speed, although there was no hurry at all. Captain London just wanted to make this journey a little shorter. At this speed the trip would last at least a full month. Now that should also be an opportunity to test out the new weapons and other upgrades. The two shuttlecraft aboard the USS Octavianus had received faster-than-light engines and a small torpedo launcher. Tests with both shuttlecarft were more than satisfactory. Both of them were used in landing on Filano, the last inhabited human planet. The outpost was called "End of Space" by the local colonists as a reminder to space travelers they better turn back here. But the USS Octavianus did not turn back, on the contrary, the ship would travel onward to HGG9, which was seven days away at high speed. It was true though that Filano was the last self supporting colony. Captain London had taken as much supplies for the Archaeologists and military personnel as his ship could take. Now there was a week of traveling through what was called empty space. No stars, no planets and certainly no colonies or other presence of the human species. It was even very unlikely the USS Octavianus would meet another ship...

June 21, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

We have finally arrived at HGG9. We have secured the perimeter and are in high orbit of HGG9. I have no idea what archaeologists will find here, but my own scientists have already asked permission to help with the work. I have given them permission. There is not really much to do for them on the ship anyway. They were very happy with my decision. In the mean time our two shuttlecraft are bringing the spare parts and supplies to the scientists on HGG9. If that is done, the shuttlecraft will be used to patrol this region of space. Although my First Officer Commander Louise Vasquez objected to this course of action, I stayed by my decision, convincing Lou that the shuttlecraft now had much better engines and could escape any danger. I have always liked that Lou always has her own opinion and sometimes steps on my feet to play advocate of the devil. We know each other for far to long. Now htere will be a long waiting time and we will have to keep the crew busy for the next nine months, until the archeological survey has stopped or when we are relieved by another ship. Either way, it will be a long mission and maybe even boring, but I have already assigned our engineers to build a small town on HGG9 for possible future colonists. This project will involve seventy percent of the crew. Our Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Helena "Engy" Wartborski will lead the colonisation project and I am sure it will be the start of another colony.

End Log

At the opposite side of the archaeology project on HGG9, there is some vulcanic activity, but scientists say there is nothing to worry about. Still, Captain London has sent shuttlecraft Alpha in a lower orbit to investigate the vulcanic activity from a more close position. after a 24 hour survey, the scientists aboard the Alpha come to the conclusion there is no danger for the archaeological project. London has sent Shuttle Beta closer to the asteroid belt to try to detect what is on the other side. When the first reports from Beta come in the news is surprising. Scientists believe the asteroids have been part of stars, planets and moons, not that long ago, maybe a few hundred years. They also found evidence of traces of some kind of energy wave that destroyed those planets. It must have been a huge shockwave, which destroyed everything in its path. This could mean that the entire known space, surrounded by the huge asteroid belt has been spared from this shockwave somehow. It would also mean that there has to be stars and even inhabited planets at the other side. Captan London has sent shuttlecaft Beta into the asteroid belt, but gave specific orders to return immediately, when there was any danger. With the best pilot of the ship, Lieutenant Cora Droman, at the helm of shuttlecraft Beta, the small craft enters the asteroid belt, but already returns after two hours. the Asteroid belt is getting to dense to be able to go through and there was no possiblity to scan what could be behind the mask of the asteroid belt. But one day later a ship is detected, close to the asteroid belt, but it dissapeares before there was a possibility for contact or to determine what kind of ship it was. Head Quarters reports there are no other vessels in that region and orders to take precautions.

July 15, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

Today the first compartments of the living block of our new city have been completed. Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Helena "Engy" Wartborski has done a great job and the scientists are all enthousiastic because they can leave their provisional living quarters in the containers and move to the new city. We haven't though of a name yet, but the chief archaeologists, Professor Lavender, organises a poll for a new name. I am not worried about the asteroid belt, but only that there was an unknown ship detected. That ship should not be there. I have ordered that the ship should have at least sixty percent of the crew aboard and I had shuttle craft Alpha and Beta standing by on the planet HGG9 surface in case of an immediate evacuation. I stil don't trust these rebellious True Historians. The archaeologists have found some interesting artifacts. One of those have been defined as some kind of power convertor, but all found artifacts are at least several hundred years old. The archaeologists seem to have found a small clue of what happened in human history a few hundred years ago. there is still a huge gap in human history. A few hundred years have been whiped out, no records have been found from tht period and the next hundred years. It is as if the human species did not exsist uring that time. even our own great grand fathers don't know exactly what happened. some of them told stories which were so unbelievable, that they were classified as "exaggerated". Most of those stories were eventually lost and archaelogical suveys like the one on HGG9, could come up with the truth. About the truth, we have detected that ship again today. It seems to me it wants to lure us away from HGG9, but I will not take the bait.

End Log

The Captain of the unknown ship must have realised that Captain Jack London in command of the USS Octavianus has not responded to his attempts to lure the USS Octavianus away from HGG9 and now makes a direct approach. His ship is coming towards HGG9 very slowly. After six days the first sensor scans of the unknown ship are coming in on the USS Octavianus. As more data comes in, it has become clear this is about a one-deck ship, with a crew of about 20. Military Head Quarters has already dispatched the Battleship USS Vespasianus from Filano to join up with the USS Octavianus at HGG9. But the USS Vespasianus would take six days to arrive. And the unknown ship was getting closer. In the mean time the Archaeologists had found some pieces of what seemed to be the hull of a starship. Their efforts were now doubled. and more pieces were discovered and even put together, but there was much more to be found. It seemed as if the Captain of the closing unknown ship had been informed about these discoveries as he increased speed towards HGG9. The unknown ship did not answer to any communications, but as this boogey was closing faster, Captain London called back his entire crew. Scans of the boogey, indicated it had only a few heavy bombs aboard. It only took a few minutes for Tactical Chief, Mister Texas, to calculate that dropping these bombs into the vulcanoes at the other side of the planet HGG9, would lead to the destruction of at least one quarter of the planet. The objectives of the Captain of the boogey ship were obvious when he set course to that side of HGG9, but the USS Octavianus was already waiting... The battle was short and the new pulse weapons proved to be very accurate. But the boogey didn't give up that easy. After a few more attempts of the USS Octavianus crew to contact the boogey and ask for their surrender, the boogey was heavily damaged, dropping towards the planet. Captain London could not risk that the boogey ship would fall into the vulcanoes and her bombs would detonate. The boogey was destroyed at 13.26 hours.

July 22, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

Maybe it was the enemy of our institutions and laws, who we have engaged in battle, but I still regret the loss of life it had to take. Once again the True Historian Rebels proved that they would do everything possible to convince us that their way is the true way. The only thing they have achieved now is the destruction of a ship, the death of the crew and a huge battleship protecting HGG9. The USS Vespasianus has arrived at HGG9. It was good to see my old friend Captain Isabel Docorato again. She has indeed a nice ship, and although the archaeologists on HGG9 are probably at a main breakthrough, I don't envy her. Her crew can now spend the next six months here at HGG9, and maybe they will be a witness of a great discovery about the past of the human species, it probably won't change the fact that these discoveries are only a part of history. What we need to do is find a way to go beyond the asteroid belt, surrounding our space. I am convinced there are more answers there. And therefore I have decided to consult my senior staff to see what they think about a voyage like that. There must be a way...

End Log

The Seventh USS Octavianus Mission: Here and Now

A huge asteroid belt is surrounding known space of the human species. Where this asteroid belt came from is unknown, but it has been clear that about a hundred years ago a huge disaster has happened. The True Historian Rebels have found out that there is a gap in human history of a hundred years and try to find evidence of the human past. Some think the answers are behind the asteroid belt, but many have tried to get through, but none have ever returned. July 25, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

I have set course to the asteroid belt. All crew who didn't want to come along on this maybe one way trip, had the chance to transfer to the USS Vespasianus. To my pleasant surprise the entire crew has decided to join me on this quest. It is like our space is a giant sphere and we live in the inside. We have new systems now, this ship is the most maneuvrable in the fleet and we must have a chance. We have left all the troubles with the True Historian Rebels behind us and we have permission from Fleet Command to execute this voyage towards the unknown.

End Log

Arrived at the border of the asteroid belt it is becoming clear that this will be no picknic. Some of the asteroids are as big as planets and gravity plays by different rules, or so it seems. Shooting a way through will not be possible, maybe at some times, but those times will be exceptions. Good stearing is a necessity, but pilots Lieutenant Cora Droman, Lieutenant Norman Vandenbergh and Ensign Juan Corano are very experienced. But not only the pilots are, Captain Jack London has a fine crew, and most of his senior officers have served with him for many years. The first day, speed is not an issue. Calculations have been made and after 24 hours the USS Octavianus will reach the point where communications with Fleet Command will become difficult. The massive objects in the asteroid belt make it difficult to make speed. Sometimes there is no other way than go around the object and an entire hour is lost. July 29, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

Today we have lost contact with Command. In one of his last messages, Admiral Nobel whished us good luck. Nobody has ever been this far in the asteroid belt and has told about it. We have been doing wel. Our shields are holding and we have not yet had any trouble avoiding rocks and stones so to speak. But we are on our own now. and if we get through, there is probably nobody at home who will ever know. That disturbs some of the crew; I know that it is on their mind to return once we are through... Once we are through.

End Log

The USS Octavianus continues the voyage through the asteroid belt without any problems. To preven stress on the pilots, Captain London has ordered one hour on one hour of duty for the pilots and has engaged himself and First Officer Commander Louise Vasquez into the pilot roster. Planning of new routes are difficult, as the asteroids themselves keep moving. But the USS Octavianus has no scratch yet and the successful ending of the voyage seems to be near. But the speed is low and the distance covered is small, but most of the work aboard the USS Octavianus becomes routine. The crew expects it will be more difficult to return than to proceed. The asteroid belt becomes more dense, but there is nothing to worry about yet. Sensors detect that there are remains of planets here. It is a big surprise to the crew when on some of the large asteroids complicated infrastructure is detected by the ship's sensors. There is no time to investigate these possible inhabited asteroids, or at least they were inhabited once, a long time ago. But the sensor logs will be filled with data to be examined later. August 3, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

Today we have discovered on larger asteroid which was almost completely covered with what we could call cities. A least what was left of it. There was no atmosphere en we did not have the time to land again. This is the ninth time that we find one of these asteroids with apparently signs of civilization. We already had an idea of a huge disaster changing the faith of humanity a hundred years ago, but we could never even start to imagine that this would be the result of that disaster, but it proves once again that there must be an end to this asteroid belt and we have a chance to get through. Today our sensor reach has decreased with 23.1 percent. There are more magnetic disturbances in the next areas. To maintain a decend flight path we need at least 40 percent of our sensor capabilities. So there is no problem yet, We hope that this is the worst part of the asteroid belt. If this is indeed the beginning of our troubles, there is no other choice than to return...

End Log

While the asteroid belt is getting more and more instable, with asteroids colliding, and the first damage to the USS Octavianus. There was nothing helmsman Lieutenant Cora Droman could have done. A smaller asteroid came heading 325 and hit the ship. There was a small hull brach but no vital systems were damaged and there were no casualties. But it was clear that extra duties had to be installed into the crewroster. And the repair teams had to be on alert status. Tension is rising and with the second hit, although only a minor one focus is required. The seriousness of this voyage is now beginning to show. Sensors are at 57 percent in this magnetic disturbance. It should be enough. Captain London has decided that if there is one casualty or the situation gets worse he will order to turn back, even if they could be very close to the other side of the asteroid belt. August 12, 2565 Captain Jack London: Personal Log

Today we had a third hit, and we had three minor hull breaches. Shields are getting low and I would have decided that we have at the point of no return. Returning now would probably equally dangerous than to continue. After several hours Louise got us through at a higher speed. the asteroid belt seemed to be easier to go through and the magnetic disturbance was decreasing as well. It gave us hope. It gave us confidence and then suddenly we all saw it. suddenly, without any warning the asteroids seemed to dissapear in front of us and we were clear. Now that was a real close one and I guess we all realised it. But we made it. We made it through the asteroid belt. First thing we did is travel away from the asteroid belt at maimum speed. As we looked back the asteroid belt seemed a huge ball. And in that ball there was our space. We have high hopes of returning safely. First we have to repair this ship and then explore tis region of space. Maybe there areother humans or maybe even aliens who can help us get back safer and with better technology...

End Log

Two days later the USS Octavianus was intercepted by a huge ship, almost 700 meters long, more than 20 decks and a crew of at least 1000. Captain London was indeed surprised when he was contacted by a human in command of this ship, USS Universe, called Captain Leroy Baton. Captain Baton welcomed Captain London and his crew, which right after he explained they had never tried themselves to enter the asteroid belt as it was believed a disaster about a hunded years ago destroyed everything within the asteroid belt. Apparently this was a misconception. Now that they knew that there was an entire civilization within the asteroid belt, efforts began immediately to clear a path so there could be either a rescue operation or at least a way to contact the people inside the sphere of the astroid belt. This would be a huge work, but in the mean time Captain London and his crew were considered the first of many to come across the asteroid belt. Now the only thing they had to do is return, to tell Fleet Command the good news...

Top Menu




The be Continued...