Invaders beheaded and heads exchanged, the plasmoids satisfy their unique needs as Celsior looks on...unsure what to make of the odd scene. The efficacy of the trio can not be denied however, as it becomes clear the team of cadets was nearly solely responsible for repelling the aggressive storm team.
Boot drumrolls crescendo from all sides as the second wave of security teams (the first being slaughtered) rush in. A speedy combat medic stops in her tracks, slowly storing the space cucumbers. Staring at the decapitated bodies, her triage calculation results in a 'too late'.
Another small squad zips into what's left of Miken's holding cell, immediately getting thrown into the hall as the Damselfly fires a point blank mangonel stone. Soon after, a salty breeze sucks the smokepowder haze clogging the hall towards the same cell. Glancing out the gaping hole in the Academy walls, you witness the Damselfly in evasive maneuvers as the Fleet's flagship Bombard attempts to blast it out of the sky before it can reach orbit.
But the Damselfly was simply faster, its jammer more nimble.
Another frustrating attack leaving everyone with more questions than answers.
~~~
But over the next few days (after security reports are written, diplomatic channels opened, and spies debriefed) a better picture comes into focus. The cadets, given their undeniable leadership roles at nearly every step, are finally given the required clearance and a seat at the table. An invitation to get some answers.
Mirt, Tarto, Saerthe, and Head Security Bronzo welcome you in. "Please join us, cadets. You deserve to hear this..." Tarto grunts as she lights a fat cigar.
Bronzo, a rather slim giff in full military attire, casts an illusory projection to create visuals that supplement his presentation. Topics include the attacks on the academy, Miken, Vocath. Bronzo lays it all down with succinct bullet points and an egaging style. Only a few things are news to the cadets:
Vocath the Mercane, from the safety of his hidden base multiple wildspace systems away, admits his role in the latest brutal Academy invasion to get Miken. However, he vehemently denies any other involvement, such as the box of neogi, sim deck explosion, or death of Ryeback. He was outraged to hear of a Fleet cadet putting his sigil on everything, framing him for the attacks. "...obviously, he cared more about getting revenge on Miken himself than any kind of Fleet relations."
Mirt grumbled "Bastard. Doesn't surprise me. Old Blueballs is still sore about losing the Realmspace contract with Andru."
Tarto added "So, whoever was framing Vocath for the attacks knew about that history...and was exploiting it."
"For what end?" Saerthe questioned. "Who would want to weaken the Fleet in Realmspace if not Vocath?"