//------------------------------// // May 5th, 2559 // Story: Voidrunner // by The DM //------------------------------// NOTE: RE-WRITE CURRENTLY UNDERWAY. MANY DETAILS AND SCENES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OVERALL STORY ARC WILL STAY CONSISTENT. //Begin Personal Log // //May 5th, 2559 // My name is Daniel Ryan, captain of the UNSC Tuscany, a prowler class cruiser. I have been a part of this crew for twenty two years. I joined the UNSC in 2537 as an ODST and became captain of my own ship in 2547 after accepting an ONI commission. I have seen combat from Jericho IV to the fall of Arcadia and even the invasion of South Africa on Earth. Even with the war over, times for humanity have been difficult. Food shortages from the razing of agricultural words like Harvest and Arcadia and the Insurrection have hampered the recovery on all worlds. However, for the first time since the war ended, humanity is looking to colonize new worlds in an effort to continue the reconstruction effort. That is where I am now. My ship and her crew of eighty are in orbit around Reach while the boys from Traxus Industrial put the finishing touches on our engines and new slipspace drive. Director Burr sent over the list of systems that my ship is tasked with investigating. The one that really interests me in a single planet system near the Horsehead nebula. The guys in astrophysics told me that the planet there is almost like a clone of Earth. It has twenty four hour days, 369 days in it’s orbital period, and a single natural satellite. It is the ideal planet for UNSC colonization. The only thing that is strange is the local gravity well. Reports say that the gravity well wobbles as the planet orbits its sun. It is because of this gravity anomaly that we are being sent to investigate. As long as it doesn’t pose a danger to ships and satellites then we can give the green light to send settlers. Anyway, I need to wrap this up. we are getting underway soon and I will be needed on the bridge. I have never kept a personal log, but I felt that now would be a good time to start. //End Log The captain turned off his computer and leaned back in his chair, looking out the window into space. He could see the orbital elevator and the numerous ships docked at it. It was an eerie feeling watching the elevator. He remembered the news videos and survivor videos of the elevators falling during the invasion of Reach. He wore the usual dark grey working uniform of the UNSC, the jacket was draped across the back of his chair, leaving him in his black ODST shirt. The captain was a fairly tall man at six foot one, he had a head of light brown hair and his face was clean shaven. He was of average build for an ODST, but his leadership and people skills made him an excellent officer. His ship, the UNSC Tuscany, was an advanced Prowler. A small frigate equipped with various stealth systems and even an optical cloaking device. With the push of a button, the entire ship could vanish from sight. Even the radiation from the engines could be stored in massive heatsinks on the outer hull for up to four hours. His crew was highly trained and had been together for five years. The fifty five sailors, ten ODST’s, and fifteen marines were joined by spartan team Chevron. While it was odd for spartans to accompany an exploration mission, the post war feelings dulled any concerns the rest of the crew had. Unlike the larger ships in the fleet, the prowler crew was very close. Usually the ODST’s, marines, sailors, and spartans all stayed away from each other. However, on a ship the size of the Tuscany, everyone had to learn to deal with each other regardless of their job on the ship. It made Captain Ryan incredibly proud to know that his crew could work together despite obvious differences. Although, the addition of a spartan team could cause some conflicts in the future. All that aside he was quite excited for the upcoming journey. His feeling of excitement permeated the ships air as the crew went about their final preparations. Last he knew, the heavy ordnance was being loaded. Even though this was an exploration mission, the ship would be taking a full armament of normal ammunition as well as nuclear ordnance. The captain leaned forward and picked up a datapad to review what was being brought. The ship would be carrying ammunition for all of her cannons, a full armament of her ship-to-ship missiles, as well as twenty MAC rounds, and ten nuclear missiles. The list went on to show the handful of small aircraft and land based vehicles. There was more in the cargo hold, but a sound broke his concentration. “Sir, I apologize if I am interrupting, but the shore crew is reporting that all equipment preparations are complete. We are ready to cast off.” The captain set the datapad on his desk and turned to the holographic display. “Thank you Tommy. Let the bridge know that I am on my way up. I want to get underway by this evening. Are our spartans all tucked away?” “Yes sir. Do you know what Director Burr wanted them to accompany us?” “You’re the AI Tommy, you tell me.” The AI just shrugged. “I got nothing.” “Well I can always ask next time I talk to him.” Ryan looked out the window one last time before standing up and grabbing his jacket and slipping it on. He grabbed his ball cap from the desk and fit it over his short cut hair. “Right then. Let’s get this shit started.” The captain opened his cabin door and stepped into the passageway. There were a handful of people moving about. A few looked his way but none stopped to greet him. It was going to be a busy day onboard and Ryan knew it. He began to make his way forward from his stateroom, passing numerous people all doing something important. Normal naval regulations would dictate the crew would always make way for him by moving to the side of the passageway. However, he was never one for silly things like that. He had made it quite clear that if anyone needed to go somewhere then they would do so, regardless of who was in their way. It took only five minutes for him to reach the bridge. Despite the relaxed looks of his bridge crew, he knew just how tense they were. Standing at the central display table was the spartan commanding officer.Her name was Commander Lisa Dior, she was one of the few female spartan officers and would be Ryan’s point person for all spartan ops. “Afternoon commander.” She snapped to attention and saluted. “Afternoon sir. Are we ready to go?” “Yeah, just about. The Traxus guys just called and let me know they were closing up the engines. So we should be good.” Daniel turned and walked up to his station near the front of the massive panoramic window that wrapped around the front of the bridge. From his seat he could see the beautiful gas could that swirled around Reach. It was one of the things that really made him fall in love with his home. The ship’s AI then materialized on the central display table. “Captain, Mr. Traxus is requesting to speak with you. He is down in engineering.” Daniel sighed. If it wasn’t one thing then it was another. He got up from his comfy chair and began the walk toward engineering. “Tell him I’m on my way.” “Aye sir.” It was a ten minute walk to engineering. Once there he saw the numerous civilian contractors working on the engines. It was easy to spot the man he was looking for. Andrew Traxus was not just a civilian contractor, but rather the president and CEO of Traxus Heavy Industrial. “Hey Andrew!” Andrew looked over his shoulder, grease marks ran across his forehead. “Hey Daniel,” he jumped down from the catwalk alongside the reactor, “so the engine overhaul is looking good. However, the Shaw-fujiaka drive is still acting up a bit.” “Define ‘acting up’?” “Well... it’s having some power issues. Probably due to it being new. These things just need some miles on them before they start operating perfectly.” I wasn’t convinced. “I know that look. How about this, I’ll ride along and monitor the drive from the bridge?” A large cheesy smile was plastered across his face. “If I didn’t know better I would say you just wanted to come with us.” He laughed. “What if I said yes?” “I would say you better grab a room quickly.” “Dude, kick ass. Yo Jason, Kerry! Can you guys finish up here?” The two engineers looked up from their work. “Sure thing.” “So Daniel, are we leaving this evening?” I nodded, “Yeah, around eighteen hundred today.” “Cool, I’m going to head home and grab an overnight bag.” Captain Ryan then walked out of engineering and headed back to the bridge. Commander Dior was still at the display table looking over some various reports. She looked up as the captain entered the bridge. “Everything sorted out?” “Yeah, Andrew Traxus is coming with us. Something about the FTL drive being wonkey.” “Was that the technical term he used?” Daniel shrugged. “Might as well have been. Really, he just wanted to come with us.” “Does the director know this?” “No, but I doubt it will be an issue. It is my ship after all.” “There is still a lot of sensitive information and systems aboard this ship.” “Yeah, systems that Andrew designed and built.” The commander knew he wouldn’t budge on the issue. “Alright, you’re captain after all.” “Yup. I even got my own chair and everything.” The spartan couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “So, are we still going to be leaving on time?” “Yeah, sixteen hundred.” “Well then, since there seems to be downtime I’m going to check on my spartans.” “Say ‘hi’ for me.” She laughed as the thud of her armored boots marked her exit from the bridge. The ship’s pilot, Lieutenant David Vezina, turned in his chair. “Damn, she’s kinda scary.” A few laughs could be heard on the bridge. “Yeah, I know that feeling.” ~~~ It was a few hours later that final preparation were being made. All the civilians had left the ship, save for Andrew, and all equipment was accounted for and stowed. The trip would take three days in FTL. It was a common misconception that slipspace travel was instantaneous. Captain Ryan then walked onto the bridge with Andrew in tow. Both men took their respective seats as the ship prepared to depart. Commander Dior was standing once again at the display table. “We ready to go sir?” I nodded. “Yeah. Tommy, signal the dock crew to release the shore tethers and prepare to cast off. Mr Vezina, bring engines online and prepare to set course for heading two-seven-nine mark three.” “Aye sir, making my heading two-seven-nine mark three.” “Captain, dock crew is reporting all clear.” “Very good. take us out.” The ship’s engines then roared to life as the ship began to move forward. “Tommy, get me the intercom.” The AI nodded. “Go ahead sir.” “Attention all hands, stand by for slipspace jump.” “Drive’s looking good, Daniel. You’re clear to begin the jump.” “Alright. Tommy, bring the FTL drive online and begin charging sequence. Navigation, check your math and input the destination equations.” “Aye sir.” both stations replied in unison. The hum of various ship systems filled the bridge as everyone went about their business. “Sir,” said the navigator, “destination equations have been accepted. You are clear to jump.” “I concur sir.” Tommy replied. Captain Ryan nodded and looked to his pilot. “You heard ‘em. Let’s punch it.” “Gladly. Hold on to your underwear!” The pilot then hit a series of buttons. The signature blue event horizon formed just ahead of the ship’s bow. Within seconds, the Tuscany disappeared into the wormhole. “Well done everyone. Let’s start cycling our other systems. Go ahead and run diagnostics on stealth systems. I would like a full report at the end of the day.” “Yes sir.” Tommy responded with the usual enthusiasm of a smart AI. Andrew seemed to be incredibly focused on his monitors. “You okay there Andrew?” “Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine.” “Is everything okay?” “Yeah, well... not exactly.” I looked at him wide eyed. “Explain.” “Well, we’re in FTL transit. It’s just that it’s not a perfectly stable wormhole. We’re compensating for the distortions, I just want to figure out where they are coming from.” “Is there any danger to the ship?” “Right now, no. I do have a theory though.” “Go on. “Well, we have reports of gravitational anomalies in the system, right?” “Yeah. Would they affect our transit?” “If they were strong enough, it’s possible. Still, I want to see if we can stabilize the wormhole a bit more.” “Alright. Let me know if you need anything.” “Okay.” Ryan then began to walk toward the ship’s galley for a well deserved meal and a talk with Chef. A few other crew members seemed to have the exact same idea, as the galley was fairly busy. As the captain waited in line he watched the wormhole fly by through the windows. It was mesmerizing watching the streaks of blue shoot by at the speed of light. For twenty minutes, Daniel enjoyed a meal with his second in command and close friend, Commander Jonathan Zerom. The two were enjoying their meal when a large shuddered rocked the ship, sending a handful of dishes to the deck. The two men looked at each other before getting up and running to the bridge. As they made their way to the bridge, the ship shook multiple times, each time being more severe than the last. The bulkhead doors slid open to reveal a scene of chaos as the bridge crew ran from station to station as they tried to discern what was causing the disturbance. “Andrew! What’s happening?” The captain asked. “Fuck if I know! The wormhole is losing stability. If this keeps up we’re going to be spit out into Odin knows where!” Andrew’s face was locked in a focused glare and his voice mirrored his gaze. “Tommy! Sound general quarters. Vezina, prepare to bring us out of FTL.” “Aye sir, sounding general quarters.” A series of alarms began to sound across the ship. Every crew member then dropped what they were doing and ran to their designated stations. Ahead of the ship, the wormhole began to shimmer as it began to collapse. “Alright, everyone hang on to something!” The pilot shouted. Everyone on the bridge ran for a seat and fastened the five point harness in each. As if on cue, the ship gave one last violent shake as it decelerated from translight speeds. Just off the bow was a single star with a planet and moon. “Tommy! Damage report.” “Stand by, all divisions are assessing the damage now.” “Alright. Nav, where are we?” “Sir... we’re... we’re there.” “Excuse me?” “We’re at our destination.” “How...?” “Hell if I know, but that’s our destination planet.” Captain Ryan unfastened his restraints as he walked up to the window to get a better look at the planet below. “Alright, helm, bring us to a stop.” “Aye sir.” The sounds of the engines died down until they completely faded. The ship continued to move toward the planet. “Sir, engines are at full stop.” “Alright, back half.” “Back half, aye sir.” The engines once again hummed to life as they tried to slow the prowler, however, the ship continued toward the planet. “Back full Mr. Vezina.” “Back full!” Nothing seemed to change as the planet continued to grow in size. “Back emergency!” The pilot didn’t even voice a response as he pulled the throttle all the way back. “No effect sir! Our course and speed have stayed the same.” “Well shit...” The captain then turned back to his chair before sitting down and refastening his restraints. The faces of his bridge crew were mixes of worry and focus. “All hands, prepare for reentry.” A voice came across the intercom. “Bridge, gunnery here, did you just say reentry?” “Yes I did. Secure for crash landing.” There was a pause. “Yes sir!” “Tommy, check landing gear.” “Landing pads are fully operational.” “Captain, at our current speed we will reach the planet’s atmosphere in one minute.” Commander Dior said. “Thank you commander. All hands, prepare for crash landing. Secure all loose articles immediately.” Nothing further was said on the bridge as the planet filled their viewport. They were moments away from hitting the atmosphere when the captain looked toward his pilot. “David, try and find us a decent landing area. I don’t want to end up smeared on the side of a mountain.” “Sure thing captain!” “Zerom, can you get me anything on topography?” “Not yet. Once we get in-atmo I’ll have more for you.” “Alright... well then, here we go.” The window began to glow red as heat built up on the outer hull and flames licked up the belly of the ship. It was night on their side of the planet. The ship’s landing would be a magnificent sight if anyone were on the planet’s surface. After about twenty seconds, the flames along the hull died down as the ship began to pull out of it’s dive and began to fly. Soon the Tuscany was sailing just above the high cloud cover, she was still descending whether her crew wanted it or not. “Sir, our elevation is at twenty thousand feet and falling. Airspeed is two hundred and nine miles per hour and dropping.” The AI reported to anyone who would listen. “Right, Vezina please tell me you have something.” “Yeah, I got us a nice big meadow near a forest. We’ll pass just over a small mountain range.” “Great, just as long as we don’t hit it.” The pilot chuckled, “Hey man, I got this.” “Zerom, are we getting any topographic data yet?” “Yeah, passing the mountain range now...hmmm... that’s strange...” “Strange?” “There was an anomaly detected. Some strangely uniform features... and... a power signature... odd.” “Okay... keep me updated.” “Sir, airspeed now seventy miles per hour. Altitude four thousand feet.” Tommy reported yet again. Eventually a series of lights could be seen off to the left of the ship. “Uhh, Daniel, we have a problem... a big fucking problem.” “What is it Zerom?” “This planet... it’s inhabited...” The captain’s heart skipped a beat. “Are you sure?” The commander was about to reply when the captain cut him off “Think about your answer, are you absolutely fucking sure?” “Yes! We just flew over a fucking city and are about to fly over another one!” “Shit... alright. Helm! Try to keep us away from any form of civilization.” “Alright... I’ll try. I’m not getting a lot of response from the engines so we’re kinda limited to our landing options.” “Are we going to survive the crash?” “Yeah, as long as nothing causes us to lose speed.” “Fine, just get us on the ground.” “That’s going to happen regardless.” The captain could do nothing but watch as the ground got closer. Soon he could hear the landing struts extend, slowing the ship even further. As they were about to touch down something flew in front of the window and impacted it with a massive thud. Everyone on the bridge was startled at the noise. Ryan was just able to get a glimpse of it as it slid across the right wing. Every head turned to see what the ship had hit. The only thing they could see was something blue lying on the right wing. Seconds later the ship came to a stop as it’s struts touched the ground. “Tommy... what the hell was that.” “Unknown sir.” The captain sat there for a moment before releasing his restraints. “Commander Dior, with me.” He then walked out of the bridge with the commander in tow. “Sir, where are we going?” “Well, we’re going to the armory so I can grab my gear, then we are going topside to see what we hit.” “Is that really a good idea?” “Nope.” “But we’re going anyway?” “You got it.” It was another ten minutes before the spartan commander and ODST captain walked out fully clad in armor and armed with an assault rifle. The two made their way to the airlock elevator and began their ascent. The ride lasted only a minute as the pressure inside the airlock equalized with the pressure outside. Soon a green light inside lit up, signaling it was clear to exit. The spartan and ODST looked to each other one last time before opening the bulkhead. Beyond them was the deck of the ship, but with green rolling hills in the horizon. It was night still, allowing the captain’s black ODST armor to blend perfectly with the hull of the Tuscany, the only thing sticking out was his dark blue visor. The commander’s armor was a light shade of blue with a gold visor, classic of most spartans. The two slowly began making their way forward along the right side of the ship toward whatever it was that they hit. They moved in silence, the only sound being the sound of their armored boots against the hull. Soon the object came into view. It was a light blue with what looked like rainbow hair. The creature was equine in nature but sported a pair of wings and a rainbow colored mane and tail. “Uhh... commander... you’re seeing this... right?” “Yeah, and I can’t believe it.” The captain walked up to the creature and took in every detail. “So this is a pegasus... a fucking pegasus... something out of fucking Greek mythology is lying unconscious on my ship’s hull.” “Don’t forget the part where you ran it over first.” “Zeus is gonna have my ass for this one.” The commander laughed lightly before returning her attention to the pegasus. “So, what are we going to do now?” “Something really stupid...” the captain then touched the side of his helmet and turned on his radio. “I need medical staff topside ASAP. We have a cat alpha injury up here.” “Copy that, medic’s are on the way up now. Can you give us the nature of the injury?” “Uhh, possible concussion, multiple broken bones, internal bleeding.” “Alright, who was it that got hurt?” I paused. “Doc, I think a more proper questions would be ‘what got hurt’.” “Excuse me sir?” “It’s a pegasus. We have an injured pegasus up here. It hit our bow during landing.” “Oh...kay...” After a few minutes, medics with a stretcher showed up. They stopped and stared at the unconscious pegasus at our feet. “Yes it’s a mythological beast, now get over here and get it to medical!” “Y-yes sir!” The three medics quickly loaded the pegasus onto the stretcher and carried it down to medical. The captain and commander went back to the bridge as the medics left for the infirmary. As the captain and commander walked onto the bridge, Tommy materialized on the display table. “Sir, medical would like you to report to them at once. They have an update on our... guest.” “Well what did they say.” “Your roadkill is awake. And she’s less than happy.” I groaned. “Ahhhh fuck.”