Meanwhile in the SOL system

A state of organized chaos had set in throughout the Sol system. Drones carrying parts were flashing through the system, appearing at space docks, and attaching them before vanishing back to one of the mysterious facilities. At UEC central command, all eyes were focused on the main holo display containing a giant and vaguely humanoid construct that was now speaking to them.

“Greetings, species project 8675309-A, aka humanity, military types! I am Charon, the Sol system’s administrative artificial sentient and project manager!” The floating head had a personality that was way too bubbly for some present and there was a chorus of soft grumbles. “I am sure you are wondering what is happening in your system right now, let alone on the outside. First, let me congratulate you on making your great breakout! Though how you did it was beyond any of our predictions! And with a certain degree of oh what’s the word...” He pauses thinking “Oh yes that's it Panache! You did it with Panache indeed!”

A general held up his hands and waited for Charon to stop talking before he asked, “Uhm, Charon, where you are based? And why contact us now?”

The construct giggled, “I am Charon. The entire world, minus its outer shell, is what you might consider a giant computer! As to why, well, the galactic state of emergency!”

The general blinked in astonishment. “I would say that's impossible, but I would be wrong, considering today’s events.” He paused for a moment then asked, “These drones are your doing?” Charon nodded rapidly, making his head spin in place. “So you are helping us build our fleet. Why?”

The construct stopped its spinning. “I doubt you'd take the humorous answer, so I will be honest and upfront with you. Your race was formed and molded as a counter to an old threat, one my masters ended up solving before you were completely, uhm, gestated. Due to that, you were left to develop in your own way when the last of the Ostravian race ascended. You have formed markedly well over these past hundred thousand years!” It paused, holding up a hand in a gesture requesting a moment's pause.

“Ah yes, the drones report your ‘cruisers’ are ready. Mind you, the outer worlds in the galactic spur consider something a pleck, or roughly one of your miles, long as a dreadnought class battleship. You do like building big.”

It shook itself for a moment, seemingly as a chuckle. “Your crews have been transported and the cargo holds of the Admiral Isakov contain upgrade kits for the Askillion as well. Before you ask, I will tell you that your first vessel is in danger. The call it answered, which was not by choice, was poorly timed on the hostiles side of things. It is about to be in over its head, despite your advantages. Its first encounter was against just under fifteen thousand hostile capital class vessels.” It showed them a holographic tactical display of the battle at high speed, what weapons were used, and estimates of power and estimates of enemy weaponry. Even the feed of sixty-six mad Scotsmen and women tearing through a capital ship to the accompaniment of drums and pipes.

Major General Rowley Leon Varnham, who had done all of the actual communicating with Charon to this point, took a moment to compose himself after viewing what had happened. “Charon how long ago did this happen?” The AI is silent too long for the general’s liking before it responds.

“Ah I Apologize for the delay Leo.” The General’s face freezes in a look of distaste as the AI Says “ There was a transmission delay due to the barrier and distances despite communications upgrades of two point four hours. In another three point six hours the second wave of ships from the darkness will hit where the battle happened.” Charon falls silent a moment then says “The remaining five cruisers will be ready to launch, and with updated course be able to arrive one point two hours after the battle has been reignited.”

“First off Charon what was with that delay, Though from the use of a nickname I left behind in the Academy. I would hazard to say you have been reading people’s records to get a feel for us all correct?” the whole sentence leaves the general’s mouth as a low growl of displeasure before he continues “And why will it be that they will arrive after the battle starts?”

“Well Boss it is simple even at the depth your ships travel it is still nearly a thousand lightyears of distance straight line, or as one of your human sayings go ‘As the crow flies’.” Charon’s Holographic head spins in place then he says “Can we see about some more emitters? Please? I would dearly enjoy the ability to move around with a little more freedom and be able to interact with you on a more eye to eye basis.” One of the other General’s nods and taps in an order on a console.

“No promises but we will see what we can do Charon. Now about the OpFor why is the wider Galaxy getting it’s collective asses kicked by what appear to be predatory deer?” Though the General suddenly pinches the bridge of his nose and groans in audible pain “Colonel M’butu New Priority Order for the books. And I feel stupid for having to say this but I know Humanity very well. When it comes to the Enemy we are Fighting despite it’s looks No You cannot eat what you kill.”

Other Officers look up and they groan realizing that General Varnham was correct, several other generals, and a J.A.G. team that appeared almost out of nowhere immediately. They started writing up the order in proper military legalese, and in easy to understand terms.

While this was happening Charon had been browsing the system wide infonet, and he suddenly reared back a look of shock on his face. This caused everyone to look up and one tech sergeant hazards before anyone else “I Take it Mister Charon sir you found something on the web?” Everyone looks at the young man and the sergeant says “I’ve been monitoring comms sirs. He has been rapidly perusing the system web getting every type of information he can get his digital greedy paws on.”

Colonel M’butu dares to ask “And what was he viewing that shocked him so bad?” As the Colonel speaks he notices that Charon is back to his normal looks though sitting still at the moment.

“Well sir Uh he well ah found out about rule thirty four, furries and other well niche uh subjects.” The young sergeant shakes his head chuckling bemusedly.

“Yes Sergeant and I have to say your uhm you know what I think I will just keep my mouth shut, and focus on the more important things…” Charon says shooting a look at a few of the younger humans in the room closely then shaking his head.

“I won’t ask what you saw Charon. Just let me….. Wait a moment, why is there a sixth ship out there near our cruisers. And why is it named the UEG Pimp My Ride….” General Varnham pinches the bridge of his nose again closing his eyes. Only opening them again after a Lieutenant taps his shoulder handing him a glass of ice water and some pain tablets for the migraine the General seemed to be developing.

“I am sorry for not informing you sooner General. But I decided a refit vessel would be a better option than simply shipping hte parts in a ship about to enter battle. And to answer your unfinished question the fleet will be ready to launch soon. The Cruiser Admiral Isakov is onboarding the last of its personnel now. The other four vessels are ready to launch and jump as soon as the Isakov launches. That and after your briefing General.”

The General nods and sighs softly getting his thoughts together as he is handed a stack of slates getting to work.

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