You better iron out the wrinkles on your uniform, Captain.
Sure, mom. Wouldn't want to bring shame to the Ceran Space Force, eh? Considering we're the last vessel under that flag...
Hmph. Ongess isn't that far from Cera.
Yeah, at the rate we're going, maybe we'll be back home in time for the new year.
Better not jinx it, Captain.
What's the situation at Ongess?
The Alliance liberated it from PACT last week. Ongess is best known for its vast Ongessite reserves.
Is that some kind of Unobtanium?
It's a rare ore unique to this planet. Just a drop of liquid Ongessite's more valuable than an entire barrel of crude fuel.
Then many would've coveted this planet in the past.
Yes, its troubled history is proof of that. First conquered by the Ryuvians, then by the New Empire, then by PACT, Ongess has been the target of virtually every space faring power for as long as recorded history.
I assume this resource is also used for military applications?
Indeed. It powers warp drives and ryders. Its super dense solid form is also used in manufacturing of high grade armor and munitions. The Alliance devoted considerable resources into taking it from PACT. The Battle for Ongess lasted five days between nine fleets.
Casualties?
Hundreds of thousands on both sides.
Makes Far Port seem small in comparison. Now I regret that beach holiday.
We're ready to warp on your word, Captain.
All right. Engage.
Warp complete, Captain. We have arrived at Ongess.
Ease us into port. And inform the rest of the crew to be on their best behavior.
Understood, Captain.
Later...
It is good to see you, Admiral Grey.
Likewise, Captain Steve.
Glad to hear that Ongess is under Alliance control. It must've been a serious blow to the PACT's war effort.
The war is far from won, Captain. But the tide is definitely in our favor. Still, we must not become overconfident. The situation is still... precarious. PACT has so far avoided committing its greatests fleets from a direct confrontation.
So they're waiting for us to make a mistake. Very well then, shall we begin with the tour, Admiral?
Lead the way, Captain. I hear your ship is one of the finest in the Neutral Rim.
Haha, you are too kind.
The tour concludes in the office...
We're the last vessel of Cera, Admiral. We're the only family we have.
I hope you have received the supplies you requested. Contact me personally if you are in need of additional resources.
I thank you for your unconditional support, Admiral. My best wishes for your candidacy as well.
Ah, so you've heard as well? Captain, I have no desire to become a politician. But becoming the President of the Alliance will allow me to finally reform our government. Too many lives were lost due to the inaction from the Congress.
Aye. No politician can understand what war entails while sitting at the back.
Yes, we must win this war quickly. I do not wish to see our best and brightest die needlessly because of a lack of a political will at Solaris. In any matter, let me speak of the real reason why I called you here.
(Here it comes...)
I understand you have experience fighting pirates, Captain.
We do. A certain pirate girl seems to have a thing for me.
Good. Because she's here, at Ongess.
(Fuuuuuuuuu-) Ugh.
You are to find her and put an end to her. For good.
Just a pirate. A little girl at that. Don't worry, Admiral. You'll hear the good news from us soon.
Don't underestimate her, Captain. Ongess is Cosmos' home turf. She knows this area like the back of her hand. Be careful. And godspeed. Captain.
Have faith in us, Admiral.
It was my pleasure having you on board.
Lieutenant. Do take care of our good Captain for us.
Understood, Sir!
Well then, I do believe it is time I returned to work.
Yeah, me to-
The hell?!
Admiral! Are you injured?!
I'm fine!
Ava! What the hell was that?!
Captain, please proceed to the bridge!
Damn! Kryska, secure the admiral!
Sir!
Let me go! I said I'm fine! Now what is going on?!
The explosion came from within the station, Captain.
What about the Sunrider? Is it damaged?
No damage to report.
All ryders on red alert. Power weapons!
Damn! Captain! The fuel tanks on board that station are loaded with liquid Ongessite! If those ignite-
Shit! Emergency dust off! Disconnect our docking clamps!
Aye, Captain! Hitting reverse thrusters!
Report!
We managed to avoid the worst of it, but the station has taken serious damage!
Bitch!
To all Solar Alliance Imperialists... Leave this planet at once!
Ava! Scramble the Ryders!
Negative, Captain. It was just a pre-recorded message.
Our Ongessite is not for you! We will die fighting to the last ship before we become a part of your empire!
Tsk...she's just a little girl. But how can she co-ordinate these attacks so regularly?
I've told you, Captain. This is her home turf. She will use whatever connections and cells to perform acts of terrorism against Alliance facilities. Our war effort cannot suffer such disruptions if we want to resolve this conflict quickly. Captain, I implore you...
I get it. We'll hunt her down. We've got a lot of score to settle anyway. Ava, dock on another station. Scramble the ryders to escort the Sunrider. I don't want any more surprises.
Aye, Captain.
We're counting on you, Captain.