22:00; Helios System; Nadir Jump Point
Bursts of exotic particles begin materializing, the emergence signature of several incoming jumps. Hours later, over a dozen Sea Fox vessels materialize in a synchronized jump. Dropships detach, reorient themselves, and begin their weeklong burn toward the planet. HPG transmissions are sent to the SLDF staging grounds ahead of them.
[SLDF Command, this is Sea Fox 5th transport cluster. We are bringing your supply drop of ammo, replacement armor, food, and medical supplies. We are also escorting FCS Shandra to the primary landing zone. She is being very insistent that Commander General Hazen be informed and try to schedule a rendezvous.]
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[One Week Later, SLDF Primary Starport]
The aged, battered, and rebuilt frame of the Union dropship recently reclassified as IDS Rookery touched down with practiced ease on the fusion torch of its landing drive. From the outside, the armor paneling and exterior equipment had all been recently replaced and refitted. A stark white paint job was interrupted only by a logo of a raven perched atop a partial red SLDF star and some minor reentry scorching.
The main bay door opens smoothly, exposing the interior to the air of Helios for the first time. Within, a Timber Wolf, quickly identifiable as the D configuration, stands, almost eager to step forward. The old machine is painted in what appears to be Wolf’s Dragoons livery as it steps out onto the reinforced tarmac and then to the side so as not to block the ramp.
As several mover vehicles begin bringing their covered cargoes out of the dropship's back, a figure clutched to the top of the Timber Wolf scans the area. "Not even a little fanfare? How disappointing."
