Epigeus City, Ganymede - 1st January 2100Ganymede Governor
Lorknis announces a major military contract with Ganymede Aerospace in a joint television appearance with CEO
Hanzoku, for twenty of the newly designed R-1 Falcon-class fighters. In conjunction with planned expansion of the mining and shipbuilding sectors, employment figures are expected to rise drastically for the coming year, also boosting his popularity ratings. However, critics point out that the fighters are as-yet untested, and unable to use existing maintenance facilities, necessitating the usage of carriers in order to maintain them.
Top officers from the Navy were unable to be reached for comment, although it is understood that Shapash Shipbuilding has laid down the spine for a new
Marius-class destroyer escort, to be named RVS
William Pickering.
Remington, Europa - 1st January 2100Across Europa, research and development efforts by Ganymede Aerospace's partner companies monopolize the supercomputer clusters. Production cannot start until all components of the fighters have been tested.
Callisto Fleet Base, Callisto - 1st January 2100, 00:00 UTCThe geological survey vessel RVS
Andes captained by Commander Isaac Mitchell is dispatched toward Earth. She will take two days and seventeen hours to reach Earth at her maximum speed.
RVS Andes, Outside Mars Orbit - 3rd January 2100, 06:00 UTC107 million kilometers from Earth, the comms officer aboard the
Andes turns to Commander Mitchell. "Sir, we're receiving a tightbeam ansible transmission from Luna."
A flick of his fingers brings the message front and centre on the bridge's viewscreen, and he presses 'play'.
"Attention Republic vessel, this is Luna Division Command. We note your current speed and heading has you coming directly at us. Do not cross Mars orbit, or there will be consequences. Repeat, do not cross Mars orbit, or there will be consequences."
Around him, the expectant faces of his bridge staff turn to see his response. He clears his throat, "Get me Callisto on the anse, and don't broadcast a reply yet!"
What should the Andes do?