Well, been playing with a
LOT of ideas these days while working on a few projects... and this is one of them. Basically the Orgus didn't meet canon humanity, but the Iron Haegemony (from something I've been working on called 'the Iron Galaxy', which is influenced by Sins of a Solar Empire,
Haegemonia: The Legions of Iron,
Sword of the Stars,
Imperium Galactica series, and Battletech with a hefty transhuman background), and the Iron Haegemony send two flotillas -each consisting of a massive exploration ship and five escorts- towards Lori and Umiak space to ensure that under no uncertain terms that the Iron Haegemony will be dragged into their conflict...
Now, for the writer's prompt/'Tribble':
Iron Haegemony Navy Ship Samantha J. Carter -Explorer-Class Exploration Leviathan- CIC, 'Naam' System -Iron Haegemony Designation PD-1515/141- 853 Light Years from Sol; June 22nd, 3025
Commodore Malcom Reynolds frowned as the
Samantha J. Carter and her escorts exited subspace, the shock of exiting the layer of reality via a light-blue tunnel through space. Intelligence from Orgus refugees had indicated that the systems in Sector 1515 were the perfect spot to encounter the Lori and/or the Umiak. The proplyd disk's sensor disrupting capabilities made it a prime spot for ambushes, but exiting near the disk is a necessary risk as simply exiting in open space while actual combat is happening is the epitome of stupidity. Still, the flotilla had been extremely lucky that the two fleets had been far too busy trying to kill each other than seeing the massive neon sign saying someone's there in the system's Zenith Point.
"RSDs* outbound, comprehensive sensor-net in 50 seconds."
Combat has always been decided with whom has the best information, and the Iron Haegemony's extensive investment in RSDs gave Iron Haegemony vessels an immense advantage compared to pretty much everyone else. As a wise man said: Information
is ammunition, and worth far more their mass in depleted uranium.The real problem isn't the Lori or the Umiak, but the proplyd disk and anyone hiding in there. Even though the Iron Haegemony had fought numerous other races within the Local Sphere, there is no telling what can happen in combat.
"Set the flotilla to Condition Yellow immediately," Commodore Reynolds ordered, "Don't want to get found with our pants around our ankles right now." The CIC quickly responded with 'aye sir' and went to work. The shields quickly snapped on as capacitors and ammo racks readied for possible combat. The flotilla's complement of strikecraft were being readied for launch at a moment's notice while the alert craft were launched for immediate patrol. Within 30 seconds, the flotilla was as ready as it could ever be for an attack.
"Sensors are getting a better resolution on the battle we've detected when we arrived in-system. AI analysis indicates two fleets fighting it out. Exact numbers currently unknown due to electromagnetic clutter."
Reynolds frowned, that meant that the RSDs are going to be important, as they'll bring more viewpoints and counter the two sides' less-than-stellar omni-directional scrambling capabilities.
"CONTACT! Bearing 045 by 055! Single unknown of unknown configuration!"
"Can we identify it?" Reynolds asked as he began ordering the flotilla to go to combat alert.
"Nothing recognized in the warbook sir." The Iron Haegemony had seen many different designs from just as many races, from the angelic graceful lines of the Minbari to the brutish misshapen scrap heaps of the Zuul and everything in between. The ship on sensors however was unlike anything that the Iron Haegemony had ever seen before. The vessel is of frigate classification given it's shape and dimensions... but that's about all that can be reasonably hypothesized about the vessel.
"Prepare first contact package and prepare to upgrade to Condition Red," Reynolds ordered, "Sound battlestations." The XO nodded as she pressed the button for
battlestations.
(Will edit more later)
____
*Remote Sensor Drone, basically a semi-autonomous drone with limited stealth features to maximize sensor effectiveness.