Post by Logan Shivers on Mar 20, 2024 18:16:29 GMT
Logan stepped onto the deck of the docking bay aboard the newly completed Kandosii class Dreadnaught and took a moment to study his immediate surroundings. This had been a ship commissioned during a time in which his mental state was perhaps much darker than present day, and the ambiance of the ship seemed to reflect this very well.
Lined up in front of him were the ranks of the ships crew, all smartly presented in the black and red uniforms that were uniquely designed for this crew. In time that would change, with the strategic addition of a limited number of other ships to this new fleet, but for now, this was a beginning. The docking bay itself, currently devoid of any ships other than the H-2 Executive Shuttle that had carried him here, was bathed in a deep crimson light. The bay itself was painted the same charcoal black colour as the vast majority of the ship both inside and out.
The end result looked positively ominous and although not the reason behind his choices for this ship, he very much liked the result. The idea behind the constant crimson lighting throughout the ship was to remind the crew of the vessels status as a combat ship and that there would not be any times when their state of readiness could drop below alert level. It had the additional benefit of limiting the amount of light emanating from the ships various openings, helping to maintain a low visibility profile – if such a thing was possible for such a behemoth!
In time he knew the docking bay he stood in would be filled to capacity with a variety of fighters gunships and dropships, but for now, he simply took joy from the proud crew that stood ready for his inspection.
Logan himself was not in the same uniform, nor was he in his distinctive Robe that he had become accustomed to wearing over the past few years as the Legacy Guardian of the Faceless Hunter Ascendancy. Today had called for a return to his military uniform. The one he wore when conducting his role as a General within the ranks of the Alliance of Mercenary Consortiums.
Not one to stand for formalities for any longer than they were necessary he joined the ships Commander and Executive Officer and walked the ranks, performing the expected inspection and exchanging some few words with the various officers. Over the years he had got to know each and every one of the ranking officers in this crew personally and in turn, the teams they were now leading had been hand picked so that the officers in turn knew each sentient that would report to them. There was no room for disloyalty in this vessel and all knew that any treachery here would be dealt with instantly and harshly.
Although the entire ships crew were aware that this project was of utmost significance and that it was very much a high risk and high reward venture, they did not yet know the full details. It was time to rectify this. Logan proceeded to walk to a small podium and took his place behind it so that he could address the ships crew.
“Ships Compliment, stand at ease.”
He waited the split second it took for the noise of several thousand individuals to take their new, more relaxed posture and took a breath.
“Welcome one and all to a new brotherhood. Each and every one of the sentients standing aboard this ship right now has been selected to serve because they have proven themselves as dedicated, capable and most importantly, loyal. Over the next few months, more such individuals will be joining the brotherhood of this ship as pilots and engineers for the various ships that will fill this docking bay. Hardened veteran soldiers will be billeted aboard to provide defensive and offensive capabilities in boarding situations and when necessary, in ground offensive situations. Each and every one of them in turn will have been hand picked due to the exemplary service they have provided over the past years since the formation of the Faceless Hunter Ascendancy.”
He took a moment to let his words sink in before continuing on.
“The Galaxy continues to see turmoil throughout its vastness and there is currently not much hope that this will change in our lifetimes, or the ones of our offspring. The rise of powers that continue to support the use of slaves as an acceptable form of labour is of particular concern to us all here. In general, the continued subjugation of the weak by corrupt, greedy and power hungry governments and planetary authorities is not decreasing and it is time for us to join the fight against this evil.”
Again he took a moment, aware that even amongst this most disciplined crew, murmurs could now be heard as they began to digest Logans words.
“It is time therefore to revive a brotherhood that once stood against tyranny, that actively took part in anti slavery operations and sought to bring light to the oppressed. You, my brothers and sisters of the Crimson Dragon are the new beginning of Pitch Black, from now on to be known as Pitch Black Mercenary Group.”
This time, Logan had no choice but to stop as the roar of approving cheers that arose was deafening and his voice, despite being amplified through the ships systems could not compete. Instead, he enjoyed the moment, taking satisfaction at the seemingly unanimous approval. He had thought long and hard about this revival, not sure that more violence was the correct answer, but he had come to the conclusion that sadly, it was a necessary answer. Eventually, the senior officers brought order back to the docking bay and Logan continued with his speech.
“The future will bring many challenges, and the brotherhood of Pitch Black will grow, but it will never be the colossus that it once was as the Hunting Consortium. This will remain an elite force, limited in its numbers and working in covert operations for the vast majority of the time in support of both the Alliance of Mercenary Consortiums and the Faceless Hunter Ascendancy. But when events call for it, this brotherhood will also be the one to go above and beyond, taking actions that may fall outside of the influence of our beloved Alliance, whilst still holding on to the values that it stands for. Long live the Alliance of Mercenary Consortiums, long live Pitch Black Mercenary Group.”
Logan stood back, signalling the end of his speech and the docking bay filled with cheers of “long live AMC” and “long live Pitch Black” The officers dismissed the crew and the cavernous room descended into a chaotic, noisy and exuberant party that Logan had insisted upon as a celebration for this momentous occasion. After all, no matter what else may have changed, Logans enjoyment of intoxicants had not, although perhaps these days he had a better grasp of when partaking of such was not so appropriate.