Backstory

Zhodani Covert Ops Directorate Logs, Ship ******, location: District 268, 1107 Imperial Timeline.

{begin log}

“Sir, we’re picking up two ships. They’re closing fast. How should we respond?” asked the senior Sensor operator on Foward Observation Scout 9Aleph6.

“What are their ranges and trajectories, Eyes?” replied the Commander.

“Both are accelerating at approximately 3G’s, though the lead ship is slowing. They appear to be firing upon each other. Their trajectories are synced, individually bringing them within .683 million kilometers and .679 million kilometers of our position at their closest approaches.” the operator responded, belatedly adding, “Sir.”

“Mam, if you would, Lieutenant. Mam.”

“Of course, Mam.”

Quickly checking her datapad, the Commander responded, “They shouldn’t detect us with the new stealth coating at those ranges. Keep all systems on minimal energy use and all sensors on passive.”

“Yes, Mam.”

“Are we picking up any energy signatures?”

“We are. The following ship, which we deem to be the aggressor, is bleeding a very weak signal. A single Galanglic word is being repeated by a male individual. It might be a voice match to one of our deep cover agents as well, probability 54 percent.”

“What is the word?”

“Sir, er Mam, the word is ‘Doomed’.”

“Ah. If it is one of our agents they must be a graduate of Psy Ops School.”

“Perhaps, Mam. The thing is, they seem to only be broadcasting the word to their own crew over the intercom…”

{end log}

Zhodani Covert Ops Directorate Logs, Ship ******, location: District 268, 1107 Imperial Timeline. Transcript Intercepted Transmission.

{Begin Intercepted Transmission}

IJM
Eyes only
Originates Zhodani Monitoring Section 27
Source Flexos/268
Classed IRRELEVANT
intercept IST 18h34s47 224-1107
ID zhodani deep surveillance vessel Xv38 (Callibria class hull 3)
Inter spectral wave penetration copy
xxss4519alpha42
Termination/request:
Human/presumedmale/labelcorneliusgrimstead:
Class/worker/shipsengineer/imperialA2classUnguin’sPrincess/registrationcollace268:
Deepcovercompromised:
Plusitsnores:
Status/immediateorsooner:
mindwipespointlessduetosubjectslowintellect:
WS99COL
xxss4519zulu43

{End Intercepted Transmission}