HIPPOCAMPUS II
STARDATE 04.30.26
PROJECT-X
As the Hippocampus II sat in Space Dock completing the last pre-launch procedures, Captain Mobula couldn’t help but to reminisce about the past and her present circumstances. She stood tall and imposing on the Bridge, not wanting to sit at this particular time. Out of habit, she wrapped her black manta fins around herself like a cloak for comfort. The two horn-like structures that rose out of her head inspired her whispered nickname of “Devil Captain.” A thin tail hung behind her, whipping back and forth out of anxiousness.
Captain Mobula couldn’t believe that Republic Command had built the Second Cruiser so quickly. It seemed like just yesterday that she was being interviewed at Starbase Dover to get her feedback about flaws and needed improvements to the Republic First Cruiser. She had been very frank, citing several engagements with Regime FZ4 Battlecruisers as evidence for her opinions. She was told that her thoughts would be taken into consideration when constructing the Republic Second Cruiser.
Now, here she was, on the Bridge of that very vessel. It didn’t seem right to call it the Hippocampus after the First Cruiser she and her crew served on. So she dubbed this new vessel the Hippocampus II. It only made sense since this was a Second Cruiser, the first in a long line of Second Cruisers to be mass produced by the Republic.
Republic Intel stated that the Regime was matching the Republic’s technological progress, so as not to get outmatched. Apparently, their version of the Republic’s Second Cruiser is to be called the FZ5. Captain Mobula frowned. She was sure to get into conflict with the Regime’s new battlecruiser in the future, so she and her crew had better be prepared.
Much of the First Era had been about exploration. Some empires they had made contact with were reasonable, such as the Brine, Feudal, Legion, and the Confederacy. Some had been antagonistic and violent, like the Regime. Some were instantly allies, like Democracy. Some had been xenophobic like Bastion. Some had been wild and unpredictable like Anarchy. Some had been mysterious like the Senate. Captain Mobula had read reports about encounters with the Khan, swift fast moving marauders that operated in packs of three, and none of it was good. Who knows how many Khan there actually were moving through everyone’s space?
And then there were the multitude of Minor Empires the Republic had discovered. The Daleen, the Yaman, AVG-01, Ironclad, Volta, City-State, Homeguard, Kestrel, and many more. Each had something to offer the Republic and the Republic had much to offer them. All of these relationships needed to be cultivated and nurtured. It was the Republic’s duty.
Now they were witnessing the Dawn of the Second Era. What would the future hold? Borders are now more firmly established and forces are more entrenched. What schemes and plans were their enemies planning? Whatever it is, the Republic must be ready to do what is right. To stand for justice, life, and all that is meaningful. The Republic would not bow to the ways of evil.
This Republic Second Cruiser has far more weapons than her First Cruiser, Captain Mobula thought. Rapid firing Phaser-6’s were installed specifically to counter the Regime’s Light Missiles. A new Phaser Capacitor had made it possible to conserve energy for the Phasers, instead of having to power each one at the time of firing. The Republic’s new Kinetic Capacitor enabled the storage of energy excusively for the Kinetic Torpedoes. Overall, the Hippocampus II had more total power, more reserve energy, stronger shields, and more laboratories. All of these things must be used properly and for the Republic’s best interest. This responsibility fell squarely on Captain Mobula’s shoulders and no one elses.
Captain Mobula stared with determination at the View Screen. Her manta ray eyes squinted sharply.
“Helm, take us out of Space Dock.”
“LET’S ENTER THIS SECOND AGE.”
