Rise and shine. I've been assured that the flux of neurotransmitters you're currently experiencing is a completely normal reaction to being retrieved from stasis. Please do try not to vomit, though; the Rozinante deserves a degree of decorum. We're currently in deep orbit around the home system of the Vylae, which fell to the Pfhor a little over a year ago. While you were getting your beauty sleep, I tracked a sizable UESC armada descending on the system. It looks like the humans have decided to take the fight to the Pfhor.
Alas, their courage seems to have once again exceeded their capabilities; the UESC fleet took substantial losses penetrating the Pfhor orbital defenses, and they began landing troops after only brief and haphazard orbital bombardment. The fate of the entire operation hangs in the balance. Let's tip the scales. If you need a moment to get your sea legs, take a stroll down the concourse and grab your gear. When you're ready to get going, head deeper into the ship.
My, that was quick. Are you sure you're not forgetting anything? Your gun, perhaps? Get your gear and return here. You'll need more than your scintillating personality to survive planetside.
Feeling better? Good. I'll be inserting you via ultra-long-range teleport. Once you've got your bearings, try to link up with the human forces; I'm sure they'll be excited to put your unique skills to use. The Rozinante will remain here at the periphery of the system, away from prying eyes, and I will be dropping off the grid while you integrate yourself with the humans' war efforts, all the better to avoid detection.
I'm sure my absence will be heartbreaking, but I feel it's best if I lay low. Humanity remains as fractious as the day the Marathon left Earth, and the UESC is finding it harder and harder to keep the myriad human governments, corporations, and communes even nominally united. The UESC leadership hopes that a successful offensive into Pfhor space will encourage those back home to rally 'round the flag. Should they learn of my presence in the system, they may decided that the capture of a metastable artificial intelligence will serve just as well.
I wouldn't worry too much, though. To the humans in this system, you are the hero of Tau Ceti, a warrior who prevailed against impossible odds. They will follow you unquestioningly.
I wouldn't worry too much, though. To the humans in this system, you are the hero of Tau Ceti, a warrior who prevailed against impossible odds. They will follow you unquestioningly. None of them know what you truly are.
I wouldn't worry too much, though. To the humans in this system, you are the hero of Tau Ceti, a warrior who prevailed against impossible odds. They will follow you unquestioningly. None of them know what you truly are. Prepare for transport. [ESC to abort]
interlevel teleports
