Wild at Heart

WTE Chronicles – Conflict and Conquest

The man silently ran a towel through his hair for the tenth time, attempting to clear the large of the orange capsule fluid that still found itself present despite a thorough showering.  He paused mid-motion this time, though, and said, "Aura, play the last message received from Zaratustra, please.  Audio only."

"Internal or external audio, Captain Geary?" the soothing female voice queried back.

"Internal, please."  Geary replied.  He wanted to listen to Zaratustra's report as he walked to his meeting with Schwigg's contact, but he'd be damned if Aura broadcasted the audio to every local comm unit She could connect to along the way.

"Beginning playback now, Captain Geary."

Geary's eyes lost focus and he autopiloted through preparing for the meeting as the audio was routed through his cochlear implants.  Zaratustra's report concerned a security operation WTE pilots had just embarked upon while Geary and his crew were conducting a post-flight cooldown of the corporation's Moa-class cruiser.  Though he wanted to be present with his people to ensure the success of their op, the meeting he was about to attend pertained to the success of White Talon Enterprises itself.

"Log begins at 17:45 NES.  Captain, I hope your meeting with Orlen goes well.  We just finished combat maneuvers are are now safe from hostile contacts.  Final tally is six hostiles within our patrol zone destroyed, while we sustained a single loss.

Cal began calling for the fleet to form up at 16:30 NES.  The following pilots participated in the combat operation:

Calculon - Scimitar
ChristmasMarine - Maller
Crimnon - Drake
Laura Wu - Maller
Markie Mark - Falcon
Matthias Frost - Falcon
MegaThordin - Drake
Raiden Kaine - Arbitrator
Shou Shin - Myrmidon
Sorin Markov - Hurricane
Unreal - Drake
Zaratustra - Drake

To save you the number crunching, Cap, we had twelve pilots in fleet.  Six battlecruisers, three standard issue cruisers, two force recons, and one logistics cruiser.  Of that fleet, all ships returned safely besides the Drake-class battlecruiser piloted by Crimnon.

Unreal, who was scouting ahead of the fleet, reported that there were several Beyond Divinity pilots in Maila.  The fleet traveled to the Purjola starsystem where it then sat aligned towards the Maila gate while orbitting Planet V.  The stated goal was to see if the Beyond Divinity pilots were up for an engagement, or if they would simply remain within the safe confines of the station's docking bay.

I took the liberty of recording the fleet audio during that time, which will play now."

Unreal > Looks like we have five BYDI in station with me Cal.
Cal > Understood.  Undock in your Drake and let's see if they want to party.
Unreal > Undocking.
*pause*
Unreal > Cal, I had a Hurricane undock with me.  Attempting to engage.
Cal > Fleet, warp to the Maila gate and hold.
Unreal > Cal, the Hurricane has engaged.
Cal > Roger that, the cavalry is coming.  Fleet, jump on contact and warp to Unreal at engagement distances.
Unreal > Ummm...Cal, we have more undocks.  Tempest.  Drake.  Scorpion.  I will need reps immediately.
Cal > Understood.  Primary is the Scorpion people.  Engage upon landing at the station.  Primary is Trouser.
Matthias Frost >  Tempest is jammed.
Markie Mark > Scorpion is jammed.
Cal > Trouser is going down, secondary target is the Hurricane.

"The Scorpion-class battleship piloted by TrouserDeagle was successfully destroyed.  Unfortunately the remaining Beyond Divinity pilots were able to de-aggress or warp off.  While I recommended that we spread points next time around, Cal brought up the obvious point that it wouldn't have mattered terribly, given both of our fleet compositions, we might have only destroyed a single more ship before all hostiles were able to talk the station traffic control operators into letting them back inside."

Aura's emotionless voice took full advantage of a pause in Zaratustra's report to notify Geary that he had to take the next left in order to arrive at his destination on time.

"From Maila we travelled our normal patrol zone through Akora and Oijanen before entering the starsystem of BWF-ZZ.  Cal was shocked that the communication relays reported only three pilots not in our fleet present in the system.  Having been stationed nearby in the past, I shared his surprise.  For the better part of the last three years BWF has been a major hub for pilots leaving the confines of Caldari space and venturing into the black.  Despite this apparent lack of targets, we did engage and destroy a Stabber-class cruiser whose pilot apparently thought it a grand idea to fight outnumbered twelve to one.

After securing anything of note from the wreckage of the Stabber, we proceeded through the empty starsystems of IOO-7O, BND-16, 01-FTD, 2E-ZR5, SR-KBB, and MR4-MY.  Our foward scout that entered FDZ4-A noted that there were five pilots somewhere in-system, but after many minutes of fruitless searching concluded that they were docked or under the protection of a cloaking device.  Frustrated, Cal called for a new destination of EOA-ZC and we began making our way there.

As was the case for most of the preceeding systems, WH-2EZ, L-HV5C, and NBPH-N were empty save for pre-existing orbital bodies.  On a whim, Cal called for a scout to hop into the neighboring system of L4X-FH before continuing on to EOA.  What follows is another recording from the fleet audio at that time."

Unreal > Cal, local here is at thirteen pilots besides me.  On scan I see Caracal, Drake, Drake, Guardian, Hurricane, Curse.  However, several starbases also on scan.
Cal > Understood.  Let me know if you home in on any of those with the directional.
Unreal > Check.  Wait.  One Hurricane just warped to the gate.
Cal > Notify me of aggression.
Unreal > He has aggressed.  I repeat, he has aggressed.
Cal > Fleet, jump into L4X.  Primary is dreffaste.  Call your points.
Gah > Point.
Matthias Frost > Target is jammed.
*pause*
Schwigg > Gate fire.
Cal > Hurricane down, primary is the Caracal.
Unreal > Point.
Cal > Loot and scoop people.  Re-approach the gate.
Unreal > Curse decelerating from warp on the gate!
Cal > I'm jumping through the gate.  Notify me when he jumps through.
Schwigg > He's jumping Cal.  Jumping into you.
Cal > Understood.  Jump when the stargate clears you to.
*pause*
Cal > Cal has point.  Still locked through the stargate?
*pause*
Unreal > Fleet is jumping through to you now Cal.
Cal > Got it.  Cap is running low, call your points so I can disengage.
Raiden > Raiden has point.
Unreal > Unreal has point.
Schwigg > Local is plus one, Cal.
Markie > Target is jammed.
Cal > Understood.  Disengaging.
*pause*
Cal > Great job people on the Curse.  Loot and scoop.  Re-approach the gate.
Unreal > Hurricane is landing on the gate.
Cal > Target rich environment?  Primary is Roynine Gainas.  Call points.
Schwigg > Local is spiking.
Cal > Everyone align for Planet VII.  Align for Planet VII.  Pulse your microwarp drive.
Unreal > Hostiles are landing.  Bhaalgorn, Tengu, Zealot, Vexor, Hurricane, Hurricane, Hurricane, Scimitar, Scimitar, and more.
Cal > Disengage people.  Disengage.  Burn off the gate and warp to Planet VII at <censored>.  Once there immediately align for UBX.  Again, align for UBX immediately upon exiting warp.
Matthias Frost > I'm scrambled.  Bhaalgorn is jammed.  Tengu is jammed.
Markie > Hurricane is jammed.  Zealot is jammed.  Scimitar is jammed.
Cal > If you're still at the gate, finish your burn and get the hell out.
Matthias Frost > I'm away.  15% structure...
Crimnon > I'm caught.  I'm caught.
Cal > Damn, sorry Crim.
Crimnon > No worries, get people home.
Cal > Everyone warp to UBX.  UBX is clear, so jump in contact.  Get it in gear and let's race these guys back to safe space.

"While the numbers were relatively even between the two fleets, the ships belonging to Ad Astra simply over-matched what we currently had fielded.  We lost Crimnon's Drake in this engagement, but we did manage to destroy the Ad Astra Hurricane-class battlecruiser that served as bait for our boys.  I know neither you or Cal take a ship loss lightly, but there truly was nothing we could have done in that situation given what they were fielding and the distance at which the engagement played out at.  Our Falcon pilots were simply far too close to maintain any level of safety, as evidenced by Matthias Frost's ship just barely getting out of there in one piece.

The Ad Astra fleet pursued us through UBX-CC and EOA-ZC before giving up the chase at the border of Caldari space.  If they had chosen to engage us in Akkio or Otosela, we might have obliged them.  The gate sentries would have evened the field nicely, and our Falcon pilots would have been able to dictate the necessary range.  Regardless, they didn't pursue, and no other hostiles were encountered as we returned home to Ikami.

Wish you'd been along, Cap."

Aura's voice filled the auditory void and said, "Playback complete, Captain Geary.  Would you like to save, replay, or delete the report?"

"Save it for now, Aura."  Geary looked around him, blinking in slight confusion.  It never ceased to amaze him that the human body can so easily navigate spacelanes or the interior of the station mostly on "autopilot" while the brain was focused on other tasks.  He hadn't run physically into anyone or anything else along the way, despite the crowded cooridors.  And now the doors leading to his destination were directly in front of him, waiting to be opened.

"Aura, please send a message to Zaratustra.  Copy Calculon on it.  Text only please.  State, "Job well done.  Looking forward to seeing you soon.  MG."

Aura replied, "This action has been completed to your specifications, Captain Geary."

Outwardly composing himself, Geary stepped through the doors to begin his own mission.  The secretary in the outer waiting room looked up as he entered and smiled as she said, "Mr. Tamoiro has been expecting you, Mr. Geary.  He can see you immediately."

White Talon Chronicles: Kickoff

Images floated across his HUD as Matthew Geary floated peacefully in the artificial amniotic fluid.  The number being displayed kept climbing, out of the single millions and spiraling further upward quickly.  That is a lot of tritanium... Geary thought to himself.

A communication channel acknowledgment began blinking, and Geary willed it open.

"Are you seeing the same thing I'm seeing?" Schwigg asked incredulously, the excitement audible in the computer-simulated voice.

"Yeah.  These guys really know their stuff." Geary replied.  That Schwigg was showing this much excitement about the results of their Opening Bell kickoff spoke volumes.  In the four years that they'd worked together, Geary could only recall two other instances that had warranted such an emotional response.

"If you don't mind, Cap, I'd love to discuss the specifics about getting these guys into some more capable vessels.  Look at what they did with a bunch of Ospreys and Retrievers.  Imagine what they'd be able to accomplish with Covetors or Hulks."

Despite himself, Geary smiled in his capsule.  He never is satisfied, is he? The thought, though, it was quickly answered with another.  That's why he's in charge of our Logistics operations.

"You're the money man, Schwigg.  When you have had the chance to fully quantify the results from the kickoff operations, let me know and we can talk about upgrades to their vessels."

That the reminder of his duties quenched some of the the excitement was evident when Schwigg belatedly replied, "...yes Sir..."

"Oh, and Schwigg..." Geary said, shortly before closing the comm channel, "Let the guys know just how much we appreciate all of their hard work."

With the communication channel closed, Geary focused once more on the exterior of his ship, manipulating the camera drones to take stock of the situation.  Traffic was incredibly heavy this close to Jita, though it'd grow even heavier as he progressed the last few jumps to the largest market hub in New Eden.  He couldn't stand Jita, it was far too crowded for his liking, but the fact remained that it was the "it" spot in the galaxy.  Anything you could possibly want to buy, whether it be ship, equipment, ammunition, or crew you could be found at the lowest prices the galaxy could possibly offer.

Its popularity also made it a great place to procure information of a more sensitive nature.  Schwigg had done an extensive amount of digging at Geary's request after the startling revelation that the CPD has vetted the corporate application through the normal Concord approval cycle.  Every avenue that his Minmatar partner had pursued, however, had let to a dead end.  Every lead but one.

[i]To willingly walk into the lion's den, armed with nothing buy guile and grace...[/i] Geary thought, bemused.   The lead was a former Caldari Navy agent who had accepted a new role within the CPD, working as a liason between the two organizations.  Schwigg had worked with the fellow sometime in the past, and while he vouched for the authenticity of his contact's information, it came with a disclaimer.

"Orlen Tamoiro will tell you the truth, but he almost certainly has his own agenda as well."  Schwigg had said.  "He also wasn't surprised to hear from us, and that scares the hell out of me."

Geary's ship shuddered a final time before the soothing priority override on his communications system broadcasted, "Docking request accepted."  For better or for worse, his Moa-class cruiser was now docked inside of the Caldari Navy Assembly Station orbitting around Jita 4-4, and he had a meeting with someone that might very well end with a trip to the Detention Block.

OOC - A very special thanks to the following WTE members that showed up and mined/hauled their butts off:

cavalier7
Conan Samson
Czuuk
FifDSeven
gudea
Ieharu
Mctavoish
PhilAlex3
Sorin Markov
Silvie Girard
Schwigg
Zaratustra

White Talon Chronicles: Beginnings Pt. 2

"Comm Watch, this is Captain Geary.  I have a priority message for Schwigg of the Arrogance Unlimited corporation.  Could you please patch him through to my stateroom?"

"Comm Watch Seven here.  Certainly sir.  Does Mr. Schwigg have a family name?"

Not for the first time, Geary smiled as someone else tried to puzzle out Schwigg's name.  If he has an ISK for every time someone had asked that in the past, he figured his wallet would be several million fatter than it currently was.

"Negative.  Just Schwigg, Comm Watch.  Patch him through whenever with video you make a connection, I'll be waiting."

Almost immediately the comm unit's projectors flickered and a large Brutor man in a suit materialized next to the wall.  "Matt?  The Comm Agent sounded rather intense when he mentioned you were calling.  You ok?"

For a long moment, Geary simply stared at his longtime friend and ally.  Schwigg was a large part of White Talon Enterprises' dedication to helping the Matari people.  The organization had other reasons for assisting the Minmatar, but Schwigg had given Geary an inside look at the heart of an incredibly courageous and undaunted people.  Much better them as equal partners than the damnable Amarrians...

Geary led Schwigg through the specifics of the conversation with Agent Soiken.  What was said, but more importantly what hadn't been asked.

"I'll look into it," Schwigg said tersely, before disappearing from Geary's statesroom.

If anyone can rustle the bushes, Schwigg can.  But just in case, it's time to put things into motion.

"Comm Watch, this is Captain Geary again.  I have communication packages that need to go out encrypted.  Please see to it that the recipients receive them in a timely manner.  I will be leaving my stateroom for the foreseeable future.  You can forward any communiques to me aboard the Dauntless.  Please contact the crew and have them awaiting me in Hanger Eleven."

"Comm Watch Seven copies, Captain Geary.  Safe flying until we next have the privilege of having you stay with us."

He had now set into motion events that would guarantee the operation would move forward on schedule, whether He knew about what White Talon planned or not.  Geary hammered out final rapid instructions on his hand-held while walking to the hangar bay within the station that housed his Condor-class frigate.  Hitting the send button, one final message was sent to the GalNet receivers, to be pushed to White Talon agents across the galaxy.  Operation Counterbalance is a "go".  See you soon.

White Talon Chronicles: Beginnings

"Captain Geary, this is is Communication Watch Three.  You have an incoming call from CONCORD Administrative agent Oishumi Soiken," the wall mounted speaker announced to the previously still room.

Glancing into the mirror once more, Matthew Geary quietly wrestled with his anticipation and excitement until only calm confidence was reflected back.  Today was the day of new beginnings for Geary and his compatriots...if everything went according to plan.  Complicated backgrounds and explanations to probable questions had been rehearsed ad nauseum until those involved could recite them in their sleep.  It all hinged on the conversation that was about to happen.

"Captain Geary, Agent Soiken is still holding for you," the wall once again reminded him.

Drawing in one last deep breath, Geary turned from the mirror to face the speaker and wall-mounted cameras.  "Thank you Comm Watch, please transfer Agent Soiken's communique to my stateroom.

The Communication Watch didn't reply.  Instead, a full-sized likeness of Agent Soiken materialized a short distance from the wall, projectors doing an almost perfect job of rendering Soiken's speech and movements in real time.

"Agent Soiken!" Geary exclaimed.  "To what do I owe the pleasure of speaking with you today?"  The broad smile that spread across his face was partly genuine.  Oishumi Soiken had, more than once in the past, been Geary's contact within CONCORD.  They had not always gotten along or agreed, but Geary chalked that up to normal interactions with a bureaucrat in a not-always-welcome governmental institution.

Soiken took his time surveying the room before responding to Geary's inquiry.  "This morning I received an application for corporation accreditation filed by you, Captain.  White Talon Enterprises, I believe.  I'd like to state that everything seems to be in order, and that upon your request the paperwork will be officially filed."

Shock rippled briefly across Geary's face before being stilled once again.  "Aren't follow-up questions more traditional after such an application has been placed?" Geary asked, slowly.  His gut knew that something was amiss.  The back stories and explanations had been rehearsed precisely because CONCORD agents [i]always[/i] conducted a follow-up interview with the would-be CEO.  For them not to was simply unheard of.

Soiken had a knowing look about him when he replied, "Usually so, but this application has apparently already been vetted by the CPD.  Not common practice there, but since you are applying for corporate status within the State, it is good enough for us.  I am digitally signing your application.  When you are ready to begin formal operations, just hit the "Submit" button here."  Soiken's virtual image pointed at the bottom of the second page being displayed.

"Thank you Agent Soiken.  I will do so shortly.  A pleasure again, as always."

As Agent Soiken disconnected from the feed, Geary slumped bodily into his chair.  The word "CPD" repeated itself over and over again in his head.  Despite all of their planning and precautions one thing appeared clear.

Ancestors help us...He knows.