Battlestar Invictus

Ch IV. Inspection

Traveling to Port Maw took just under a week of traveling. Both ships kept traveling in Convoy for security reasons, but because they were now well within Imperium controlled space, it wasn't really necessary. Aside from a single skirmish with a possible lost red escort the journey itself wasn't very eventful. With three days to go, the little group met up with a couple of frigates. It seemed that the SkyWatcher had sent word of their arrival. This group was some kind of Honor guard or something like that. It didn't matter what it was called, the crew on board both ships were happy with two extra ships flying alongside them.

At last the small convoy entered the system on the outer edge. Slowly the group slid towards the massive spaceport, while the small escort ships broke off and took position on the systems outskirts.

Docking in massive spaceport took a bit longer than usual. Not because it was harder, or busier than the battlestar crew was used to. This was done by choice. Most people were in awe of how big the spaceport was! The Scorpio spacedocks were big but this, this blew the other completely out of the water! Ships larger than anyone had ever seen were flying to and from the massive station, while smaller craft were buzzing about. Every now and again someone had to be snapped out of their awe. Partly because of this, Price had ordered the ship to basically crawl towards their spot, where they docked without issue.

In anticipation of the evaluation/inspection the ship was to be subject to, Price had ordered that no man was to leave the ship without his express permission. The evaluation was due this morning, so the crew got to work on repairing any damage they couldn't fix when on mission. It was not clear when exactly when the inspection came, or with how many would be attending. Just to be on the safe side he had ordered all critical systems to be guarded by a small detachment of marines.

He himself had, like his officers in time of war, holstered his trusty Five-Seven pistol to his waist. Price didn't expect trouble, but when dealing with an unknown caution is golden. For this occasion he had dusted off his dress uniform. Dark gray, with a leather belt and sash, the latter carrying his few Pilot's Elite Wings and the few medals he was awarded. His uniform was lined with red and gold piping along the edges, signifying his rank. His XO Colonel Howard's piping was red and silver in colour.

Fifteen minutes ago he got the call that the evaluation envoy was to arrive. Right on time there came the call on the other side.

After double checking the docking seal and pressure, the large steel doors slid open. In the walkway, much wider than the invictus-airlock was, four men appeared flanked by a squad of soldiers. The imperial officers wore a bright blue uniform jacket while the trousers were white. Most men present were highly decorated. By comparison his own dress uniform looked pale and plain.

The lead man, who seemed to be in good shape, although a bit of stress was giving him a few grey hairs, was the most decorated, but managed to display his achievements with style. The officer beside him, also decorated, displayed his medals plumply, while looking towards the colonials with arrogance. It was clear that sitting behind a desk didn't do him much good.

The third man, standing to the right was the least decorated, but only slightly. The fourth and final character standing at the door was dressed in a rust-coloured robe. He was the most peculiar of the set with all sorts of technology sticking out of him. Price could not help but wonder if he was looking at a man or a machine.

After a few seconds the lead officer walked up to the threshold of the airlock but stopped just short. At the same moment, men on both sides saluted each other, the Imperials with the sign of the aquila and the colonials with their hands straight to the hairline.

Then the man spoke: "I am Lord-Admiral Cornelius von Ravensburg. I am in command of the Battlefleet in the Gothic Sector. You have already met Admiral Julius Lahain" He said while gesturing to the man standing on his right, who nodded slightly before adding: "We've met before commander, the battle of Relay 571. I thank you again for coming to the aid of me and my men."