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             FREESPACE MISSION INFORMATION
                                     PLEASE READ

DESCENT: FREESPACE MISSION INFORMATION

COMPILED BY: QUINN LAZERUS (EISHTMO)

EMAIL: [email protected]

SILENT THREAT CAMPAIGN BRIEFINGS - COMMAND, MISSION, DEBRIEFING

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!!

Start md-01.fsm

COMMAND BRIEFING 1

Welcome to the GTI

Congratulations, pilot. You have been selected for the Special Operations branch of Galactic Terran Intelligence. You passed GTI's rigorous medical and psychological examinations, and your record of service with Admiral Po and the GTD Intrepid has been exemplary. You are now assigned to the GTI's Special Ops destroyer, the Krios.

The primary mission of the GTI is to provide Terran Command with accurate and comprehensive information regarding the tactics, technologies, activities, and strategic objectives of our enemies, specifically the Shivans and the Vasudan insurgency, Hammer of Light.

As a pilot for Special Ops, your missions will involve intelligence gathering and containment. These assignments are covert and classified. Violation of classification protocol will result in court-martial and possible execution under the Counter-Intelligence and Espionage Act.

COMMAND BRIEFING 2

Sol

All efforts to restore contact with Earth have failed. As you know, the Sol jump node in Delta Serpentis collapsed shortly after allied forces tracked and destroyed the Lucifer during its subspace jump. We believe the explosion of the Lucifer's five reactors created a subspace cataclysm that closed the node, perhaps permanently.

We have no word on what became of the Terran pilots that destroyed the Lucifer, or how much of the attack force remains stranded on the Earth side of the node.

As Terran scientists work toward reestablishing contact with Earth and GTA HQ, an interim GTA Command center has been set up in the Delta Serpentis system.

COMMAND BRIEFING 3

State of the Treaty

Cultural and political differences have threatened to undermine the Terran-Vasudan treaty since its inception. After fourteen years of warfare, the relationship between the GTA and the PVN has been plagued with mutual distrust, misunderstanding, and a failure to comply with the treaty's mandate of full cooperation. Furthermore, incidents of violence between Terran and Vasudan military personnel have compounded an already precarious situation.

COMMAND BRIEFING 4

Overzealous Pilots

The GTA and the PVN are conducting joint operations in the Vega system. Though hostilities between allied forces in Vega have been confined to isolated episodes, tensions have now escalated to an all-out confrontation. During a recent Shivan attack, Terran pilots fired upon Vasudan ships with intent to kill. Terran Command fears that if the PVN learns of this incident, the treaty and our hopes of defeating the Shivans will soon collapse.

COMMAND BRIEFING 5

Mission Classified

This mission has been classified at the highest level. If you should be killed or captured while fulfilling your objectives, GTI will disavow any knowledge of you or your actions.

COMMAND BRIEFING 6

New Technology: Leech Cannon

The secondary mission of the GTI is the research and development of cutting-edge technologies. As a Special Ops officer, you will have access to advanced weapons and warship prototypes not yet available to GTA pilots. These systems have undergone extensive lab and field testing and should function as designed.

The Leech Cannon drains the power supply of enemy fighters. Use the Leech Cannon to disable afterburners, energy weapons, and shields. No subsystems targeting is required, just point and shoot. The Leech Cannon is an anti-fighter weapon with minimal effect against larger vessels.

MISSION BRIEFING 1

At approximately 1530 hours, Terran and Vasudan fighters repelled a Shivan assault against Outpost Fermi. During the skirmish, Terran pilots fired on our Vasudan allies with intent to kill.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

The motives of these pilots are unclear. We do not believe their actions represent a large-scale insurrection within Terran ranks, but the situation must be contained.

MISSION BRIEFING 3

Hostilities have escalated to an all-out confrontation between Terran and Vasudan forces in the area. A GTI communications terminal in the sector transmitted an encoded message advising command of the situation, which threatens to jeopardize our treaty with the Vasudans.

MISSION BRIEFING 4

Your objective will be to sanitize the area. Destroy everything but the GTI communications terminal. All voices must be silenced to preserve the Terran-Vasudan alliance.

MISSION BRIEFING 5

This mission has an operational window of five minutes. Get in. Do your job. Get out. Good luck, pilot.

DEBRIEFING 1

Well done, pilot. You executed a clean sweep of the area and contained a volatile incident. A single Vasudan ship escaped, but the GTI will soon eliminate this threat.

DEBRIEFING 2

You exceeded your operational window, pilot. This failure will give GTA sufficient evidence to reconstruct the incident. You have compromised the Terran-Vasudan alliance, and GTA has severed its support of our operations. You are grounded permanently.

DEBRIEFING 3

You failed to silence the Vasudan transport. You have compromised the Terran-Vasudan alliance, and GTA has severed its support of our operations. You are grounded until further notice.

DEBRIEFING 4

Two targets escaped. GTI tracked and silenced the first vessel, but the second evaded our forces and informed the Vasudans of our operation. Your failure has jeopardized our treaty with the Vasudans. You are grounded until further notice.

End md-01.fsm

Start md-02.fsm

MISSION BRIEFING 1

A Vasudan ship, designated Aries 2, escaped our containment operation. GTI has tracked the vessel to a Vasudan-controlled supply zone.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Aries 2 has communicated our objectives to Vasudan forces in that sector. We are jamming all local transmissions, but we must achieve absolute containment.

MISSION BRIEFING 3

Your mission will be to destroy all vessels in the supply zone. Ignore the cargo. Preliminary reconnaissance indicates a garrison of two Aten cruisers with fighter escort.

MISSION BRIEFING 4

The loss of innocent lives is regrettable but necessary to preserve the Terran-Vasudan alliance and defeat the Shivans. You must not fail.

DEBRIEFING 1

Excellent work. You defeated superior forces that intelligence failed to anticipate. The science vessel's escape pods survived the assault, but GTI will track and eliminate them. Analysis indicates you had no choice but to avoid the shock wave of the blast. You exercised good judgment under fire, pilot.

DEBRIEFING 2

Aborting a mission without orders is insubordination, pilot. You will have an opportunity to explain these actions at your court martial tomorrow, at 0800 hours.

End md-02.fsm

Start md-03.fsm

MISSION BRIEFING 1

GTI has located the Einstein's escape pods in the Beta Aquilae sector.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Command has issued a new directive. Your mission will be to secure the area and guard the pods. A retrieval ship will recover the survivors for interrogation.

MISSION BRIEFING 3

We will deploy the retrieval ship as soon as possible. Defend those pods until you are relieved of duty. You will receive further orders in Beta Aquilae.

DEBRIEFING 1

The incident at Beta Aquilae has us puzzled. Command acknowledges you had no means of confirming the authorization status of the destroyer. Under these circumstances, you did excellent work ensuring the recovery of an escape pod.

DEBRIEFING 2

You are grounded until further notice, pilot. With none of the survivors in our custody, our intelligence efforts are futile.

DEBRIEFING 3

You aborted your mission before completion. You will be required to provide full testimony before a court martial. Dismissed.

End md-03.fsm

Start md-04.fsm

COMMAND BRIEFING 1

Unknown Fighters

A preliminary analysis of the incident at Beta Aquilae suggests the fighters you engaged possessed advanced stealth technologies. The origin and intent of this force remain unknown, and Terran Command has ordered a full investigation. You will be informed of the progress of this inquiry on a need-to-know basis. Until further notice, you have been reassigned to other GTI operations.

COMMAND BRIEFING 2

New Technology: Zeus Bomber

GTI research and development has completed field testing of the Zeus-class strike bomber. Like the Athena, its predecessor, the Zeus offers excellent speed and maneuverability. However, more efficient design enables the Zeus to carry Tsunami space bombs in its arsenal. These features will make the Zeus a versatile and effective weapon against Shivan capital ships.

COMMAND BRIEFING 3

New Technology: Cluster Bomb

A second-generation Synaptic bomb, GTI's cluster warhead has been designed for attacks against groups or wings of enemy ships. Upon reaching its target, the primary warhead fragments into multiple secondary warheads that explode within a split second. The detonations produce a field of energy blasts, making the cluster bomb most effective against fighter formations.

MISSION BRIEFING 1

A Shivan offensive has decimated our forces in the Ikeya system. The enemy annihilated our installations and eighty percent of the fleet garrisoned in that sector. The survivors are now retreating to secure Terran positions.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Fortunately, the science cruiser Ratna survived the engagement. Scientists on board this vessel are spearheading the Eumenides Project and have developed cutting-edge weapon prototypes vital to the war effort.

MISSION BRIEFING 3

The Shivans disabled the Ratna, so the vessel has neither propulsion nor warp capability. We must retrieve our ship, its scientists, and their prototypes. Command anticipates Shivan reinforcements will soon resume their offensive.

MISSION BRIEFING 4

Under these circumstances, we must execute a high-risk maneuver to recover the Ratna. Vasudan transport Gemini will dock with the vessel and tow it away from the Shivan attack point. The docking seal may not hold, but we have no other viable options.

MISSION BRIEFING 5

Command will deploy additional Terran transports to evacuate the scientists. We cannot extract the prototypes from the Ratna, so the entire vessel must be recovered.

MISSION BRIEFING 6

Your mission: protect the Ratna. Repel the Shivan attack so repair crews can get the engines back on line. The future of this war is in your hands, pilot.

DEBRIEFING 1

You held off the enemy so our transports could evacuate the scientists. We need their expertise to win this war, pilot. Good work.

DEBRIEFING 2

Because of your outstanding performance, we recovered the Ratna and its prototypes. You should be very proud, pilot. You saved not only the Eumenides Project but possibly the lives of millions.

DEBRIEFING 3

You failed to provide our transports with adequate fighter cover. As a result, we could neither evacuate the scientists nor retrieve the prototypes. Technology will win this war, not mediocrity. Knowledge is power, pilot, and you're flying unarmed. Dismissed.

DEBRIEFING 4

We evacuated our scientists. However, without the prototypes, Command has terminated the Eumenides Project. There are no commendations for mediocrity, pilot. Dismissed.

End md-04.fsm

Start md-05.fsm

MISSION BRIEFING 1

Reconnaissance has observed a small Shivan cruiser group, designated Hellfire, en route to the Delta Serpentis jump node. If Hellfire reaches its destination, it will be reunited with the primary Shivan fleet.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Hellfire consists of four cruisers, both Cain and Lilith class, with a fighter escort of ten to fifteen ships.

MISSION BRIEFING 3

Your squad will intercept and destroy as much of the Shivan force as possible. Beta and Delta will engage the cruisers. Alpha and Gamma will defend the bomber wings and neutralize the fighter threat.

DEBRIEFING 1

Well done, pilot. Because the Shivan cruisers failed to reach the Delta Serpentis jump node, we anticipate a decisive victory for our forces in that sector.

DEBRIEFING 2

You successfully destroyed Hellfire's fighter escort.

DEBRIEFING 3

We're at war pilot. This is no training mission. Hellfire reached the Delta Serpentis jump node and reinforced the primary Shivan fleet. Your failure cost us lives and resources we could not afford to lose.

End md-05.fsm

Start md-06.fsm

MISSION BRIEFING 1

Hammer of Light commandos have seized the Giordano, a science station located in the Deneb system. Sensitive GTI data will be compromised if we fail to recapture the Giordano immediately.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Intelligence indicates the Vasudan destroyer Ptah now guards the science station.

MISSION BRIEFING 3

Your objective will be to protect transport Epsilon 1. The transport will dock with the Giordano and warp to a secure position. Delta wing will escort Epsilon 1 into the Deneb system and assist you with your mission.

MISSION BRIEFING 4

Should Epsilon 1 fail to accomplish its objective, we will deploy Epsilon 2. If neither transport succeeds in recovering the Giordano, your orders are to destroy the station and return to base.

DEBRIEFING 1

Excellent work. We recovered the Giordano and its data with only minimal losses.

DEBRIEFING 2

Your mission was a success. We lost Epsilon 1, but recovered the Giordano and its data.

DEBRIEFING 3

Your efforts have prevented a critical breach in GTI security. However, we regret the loss of the Giordano.

DEBRIEFING 4

The transports failed to recover the Giordano. The Hammer of Light now has access to data that will compromise GTI operations. Your gross incompetence has forced command to abort several key missions. Dismissed, pilot.

End md-06.fsm

Start md-07.fsm

COMMAND BRIEFING 1

Unknown Fighters

During recovery of the Einstein's escape pods in Beta Aquilae, unidentified fighters attacked your wing. The results of our inquiry are puzzling-the vessels are Loki-class fighters, GTI design and manufacture.

GTI research and development created the Loki-class fighter at a top-secret installation, location undisclosed. The prototype of a stealth fighter project, the Loki is designed to elude detection by all known sensor arrays.

COMMAND BRIEFING 2

Unknown Fighters

Analysis of the Beta Aquilae attack has enabled our engineers to exploit a structural weakness in the Loki, thus rendering its stealth technology useless. We have shared this information with our Vasudan allies, and we anticipate the Shivans will also have the expertise to uncloak the fighter.

The incident does signal an even more disturbing development, however: the emergence of a rogue element within the GTI. We suspect an insurgent cell has appropriated the Loki for unknown purposes. However, the secrecy surrounding the stealth project has impeded further inquiry.

COMMAND BRIEFING 3

The Einstein

The appearance of the Einstein in the Vega System is also troubling.

According to service logs, the Einstein was destroyed during the initial Shivan encounter at Ross 128, in which the enemy annihilated all Terran ships and installations. The Einstein had entered the system to conduct a routine geological survey three days prior to the attack.

Obviously, the Einstein's presence in Vega during our recent operation contradicts the official record.

COMMAND BRIEFING 4

Ross 128

Furthermore, evidence suggests the Einstein may have been a rogue GTI ship. A high-ranking GTI operative, Captain Ezra Tycho, commanded the science vessel. Though its official duties were limited to low-level planetary studies, the Einstein may have been involved in covert operations and weapons research. Analyzing the data we have gathered so far, we believe rogue elements within the GTI may have known about the existence of the Shivan threat prior to the attack on Ross 128.

COMMAND BRIEFING 5

Rogue Elements

Therefore, we suspect the Loki-class fighters were engaged in a GTI cover-up. The attack on your wing in the Beta Aquilae system may have been a botched attempt to destroy evidence of the Einstein's existence. The extent of the cover-up and the objectives of the conspiracy remain unknown. You are advised to exercise caution during your next sorties.

COMMAND BRIEFING 6

New Technology: Loki Fighter

The latest prototype developed by the GTI stealth project, the Loki features high maximum velocity and excellent maneuverability. Because of a minor structural weakness, the Loki's stealth capability has been compromised. Nevertheless, the Loki is the most versatile fighter in our arsenal.

COMMAND BRIEFING 7

New Technology: S-Breaker

Developed as an anti-Shivan weapon, the Shield Breaker inflicts massive damage to enemy defensive systems. This weapon causes no structural damage, but coupling it with an anti-hull cannon will be effective against larger Shivan bombers such as the Seraphim.

Use it well.

MISSION BREIFING 1

Pirates have attacked the Talus Mining Facility. Because this installation processes materials critical to our warhead production, control of Talus is of the utmost strategic importance.

MISSION BREIFING 2

The facility's garrison repelled the pirate attack but sustained ninety percent casualties. Certain volatile materials breached containment during the engagement, and the resulting explosion annihilated the pirate force. However, the blast also severely compromised the structural integrity of the installation.

MISSION BRIEFING 3

Your primary objective will be to escort our transports while they recover the remaining warhead materials.

MISSION BRIEFING 4

Be advised the explosion released an ionized gas that will render small vessels invisible to sensors. This will make missile lock impossible on targets within the ionized zone.

MISSION BRIEFING 5

Once the operation has commenced, the facility will begin its evacuation. However, the cargo must be your first priority. Only after the materials have been recovered should you protect the escape pods. We regret any casualties that may result, but the strategic value of the warhead materials necessitates this decision.

MISSION BRIEFING 6

Command will deploy bombers to destroy the facility after all materials and survivors have been recovered.

MISSION BRIEFING 7

Because of heavy subspace activity in the area, we should anticipate a Shivan attack against our operation.

DEBRIEFING 1

Well done, pilot. You ensured the retrieval of all warhead materials and saved the lives of facility personnel.

DEBRIEFING 2

Good work, pilot. You ensured the retrieval of all warhead materials from the Talus Mining Facility.

DEBRIEFING 3

You had strict orders, pilot. Your actions may have seemed humane, but many more lives will be lost without those warhead materials. Command has no use for pilots who disregard its directives.

DEBRIEFING 4

Because of your ineptitude, the pirates now possess critical warhead materials and weapon prototypes. Furthermore, this catastrophe has bolstered the enemy's morale. Command anticipates their attacks against our positions will intensify.

DEBRIEFING 5

You skillfully thwarted the pirate assault. you did well to monitor the status of the transports to prevent materials from falling into enemy hands. Analysis suggests the pirates no longer pose any viable threat to our military ships and installations.

DEBRIEFING 6

Without those materials and prototypes, our capacity to wage war against the Shivans has been compromised. What happened out there, pilot? Was it incompetence...or treason?

End md-07.fsm

Start md-08.fsm

MISSION BRIEFING 1

Iota wing is en route to a GTI safe zone, located within an asteroid field. We have positioned Watchdog sentries near the zone to neutralize incoming projectiles.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Iota's cargo is classified at the highest level, as are the coordinates of the safe zone. Your orders are to rendezvous with Iota and follow them to their destination.

DEBRIEFING 1

Well done. Iota wing arrived at the safe zone and sustained minimal casualties. You accomplished a mission of the utmost importance to GTI security.

DEBRIEFING 2

Whose side are you on, pilot? Iota was pulverized out there. I am not authorized to discuss the consequences of this debacle, but Hammer of Light just named a cruiser after you.

DEBRIEFING 3

We suffered heavy losses, but the survivors of Iota wing owe you their lives.

End md-08.fsm

Start md-09.fsm

MISSION BRIEFING 1

GTI fighters have disabled the Krios! Vital systems going critical! Return to base pronto!

DEBRIEFING 1

Well done. The evacuation could have been a massacre, but you got those pods to the jump node safely.

DEBRIEFING 2

All escape pods were destroyed. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this brave crew.

DEBRIEFING 3

A handful of escape pods survived the engagement. We regret that more could not be recovered.

End md-09.fsm

Start md-10.fsm

COMMAND BRIEFING 1

The Fate of the Krios

To obliterate data gathered about its activities in the Ross 128 system, Galactic Terran Intelligence destroyed the Krios. Effectively immediately, all surviving personnel are to be reassigned to the GTD Soyakaze.

COMMAND BRIEFING 2

The GTI

The conspiracy is not confined to a rogue element within the GTI, but involves officers in the highest echelon of the intelligence directorate. Although their objectives remain unclear, Command believes the conspirators intend to overthrow the GTA government and dissolve the Terran-Vasudan Treaty.

Galatic Terran Intelligence-its ships, installations, and personnel-are now hostile targets. Because of the technology and sensitive information within its grasp, the GTI poses a significant threat to the stability and security of the GTA, the PVN, and all allied worlds. Our actions must be swift and decisive.

The Soyakaze's primary objective is to locate and destroy the GTI's base of operations.

COMMAND BRIEFING 3

Ross 128

The Soyakaze has set course for the Ross 128 system. Information recovered from the Krios indicates GTI operations are concentrated around the site of the initial Shivan attack. Our first task will be to investigate this activity.

COMMAND BRIEFING 4

Admiral Scott

I will now take this opportunity to honor the late Admiral Scott, commander of the GTD Krios, who died in the line of duty.

Admiral Scott devoted many years of service to the GTI and dedicated himself to its mission: to provide the GTA and its allies with accurate and comprehensive information regarding the tactics, technologies, activities, and strategic objectives of its enemies.

His superiors, to whom he had given his trust and loyalty, betrayed Admiral Scott when they abandoned that mission to pursue their corrupt ambitions and designs. GTI is now the enemy.

Let us never forget the integrity and sacrifice of this fine officer.

COMMAND BRIEFING 5

New Technology: EM Pulse Missile

Without the technology and expertise of GTI's research and development branch, we will lack our enemy's cutting-edge weapon systems and ship prototypes. However, we do have a new addition to the arsenal: the EM Pulse missile.

Upon impact, the EM Pulse disables the electronics systems of the target ship. The weapon has numerous tactical applications. For example, a direct hit with an EM Pulse missile will prevent bombers from launching aspect-seeking warheads for several seconds. Once the EMP field has worn off, they must also reacquire their target's signature lock.

MISSION BRIEFING 1

We have set course for Ross 128, the site of the first Shivan contact. GTI operatives have been active in this system, and we must investigate. Your mission will be to inspect the wreckage from the original Shivan assault.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Ross 128 is currently under Shivan control. There are no other Terran forces in this system. You will need to complete your mission quickly. Scan the wreckage and return to base.

DEBRIEFING 1

Your wing annihilated all GTI vessels. Fine work. We suspect the GTI already salvaged the wreckage at Ross 128. Their objectives in this sector remain unknown.

DEBRIEFING 2

We made no strategic gains at Ross 128, but your assault decimated the Shivan garrison. Nice work.

DEBRIEFING 3

Elements of the Shivan force escaped. I should not have to remind you that destroying all hostiles is a high priority. Winning the battle means nothing if we lose the war.

End md-10.fsm

Start md-11.fsm

MISSION BRIEFING 1

Reconnaissance reports heavy Shivan traffic through the Beta Aquilae jump node. Our mission: shut them down.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Your wing will patrol this area and engage any hostiles. Seek and destroy.

DEBRIEFING 1

You had orders not to destroy the cargo, pilot. Either you're a slow learner or you're shooting for demotion. Intelligence needed that cargo for analysis.

DEBRIEFING 2

The Shivans escaped with their cargo. Apparently their freighters were too fast and maneuverable for you, pilot. Command is unimpressed with your lack of results.

DEBRIEFING 3

Our freighters retrieved the Shivan cargo. Well done. Intelligence has begun its analysis, and we hope to learn much about Shivan strategy in this sector.

DEBRIEFING 4

We failed to recover all the cargo, but we have sufficient evidence to uncover the Shivan's objective in this sector.

End md-11.fsm

Start md-12.fsm

COMMAND BRIEFING 1

GTI Headquarters

We have located the GTI's base of operations- the Jotunheim installation in the Beta Aquilae system.

The full extent of their activities in Beta Aquilae remain unknown. However, we believe the GTI has been studying Shivan culture and technology at Jotunheim since the massacre at Ross 128.

COMMAND BRIEFING 2

GTI Plans

Reconnaissance also has evidence of a large-scale prototype construction involving Shivan technology, but no data regarding the configuration and capability of this vessel could be gathered.

COMMAND BRIEFING 3

GTI Technology

GTI forces have access to Shivan armaments as well as the systems created by its research and development branch, so be advised your foe will possess superior technology. You will have to fly smarter and fight harder to win this battle.

Command suspects the GTI may also have Shivan captives at Jotunheim for the purposes of biological research and the development of viral weapons.

COMMAND BRIEFING 4

Hades

Terran Command intercepted a GTI transmission and technical readout relating to a Jotunheim operation with the codename Project Hades. Cryptographers are in the process of deciphering the transmission, and engineers are analyzing the technical readout. Although we have nothing conclusive, we must act now.

COMMAND BRIEFING 5

Our Mission

The rogue Galactic Terran Intelligence group must be crushed. These traitors threaten the security of the GTA, the stability of the Terran-Vasudan Alliance, and our future victory over the Shivans. Report for your mission briefing, pilot.

MISSION BRIEFING 1

Reconnaissance has uncovered the location of GTI's primary base of operations, the Jotunheim. Details concerning the strength of the garrison remain sketchy. GTA will launch an immediate, all-out offensive and deploy reinforcements as soon as possible.

MISSION BRIEFING 2

Failure is not an option. The GTI conducts weapons research on the Jotunheim, so be prepared to engage exotic prototypes with unknown capabilities.

DEBRIEFING 1

Your cowardice jeopardized our best opportunity to eliminate the GTI threat. Once operational, the Shivan-Terran hybrid will be invincible. Dismissed, pilot.

DEBRIEFING 2

Excellent work! Our initiative caught the GTI off guard. Preliminary scans indicate the GTI possessed Shivan defensive technologies. If that juggernaut had gone on line, GTI would be writing the history books.

End md-11.fsm