The Gallant broke dock to maneuver and launched missiles in a defensive posture to deter attack, but the enemy disregarded the potential for damage. Short-ranged energy weapons intercepted many of the torpedoes, and others were ineffective against an energy-based defensive screen. Neither registered energy signatures known to the Gallant’s systems.

The enemy certainly suffered significant hits but did not alter course. Commander Xeres considered retreat—Generosity@Hive is effectively defunct—but decided that the facilities still have strategic value.

Under cover of high-intensity energy strikes—no missiles or torpedoes launched—the enemy sent boarding craft. Two were destroyed by point defense turrets, but three made contact. They struck close to the drives, seeking to destroy propulsion and energy distribution.

It is hard to describe what came aboard. What I thought had been tactical zeos on Kudos to Angelico were actually armored living creatures. Each was as tall as a Stormer but as fast as a Rakke. They weren’t concerned by gunfire from the crew, and were intent on their objective above engaging. 

I joined the defense in my stormer, alongside two Soldats leased to Interhelios’ Void Marines aboard the Gallant. Our arrival triggered an instant change in enemy behavior—they took our presence as a challenge and counter-engaged immediately.

They wield some kind of energy swords that unleash bursts of destructive particle energy. They had other weapons of different design but similar technology, including something that looked like an ancient polearm, which skewered Lieutenant Modul’s Soldat.

We blunted the attack and then support troops arrived. As with the larger attackers, what I thought were drones were six-limbed aliens. They were comfortably driven back, though, and were not keen to initiate more offensive action.

Just over 1 hour (UST) into the fight, the MegaSTaR Unlimited Vistas hailed us to say that they were on approach. The enemy broke off their action at that point. 

Our losses totaled Modul’s Soldat wiped out, and four personnel dead. Modul is in intensive recovery along with three others. Four more are walking wounded. My Stormer suffered several performance-deterimental hits and is currently with the Gallant’s Tech-Ops.