Fifth Dimension Syndicate / 156

The 5th Dimension Syndicate was founded in 2944 by Carjje Seestey. Mr. Seestey and his brother felt a need to form a coalition in order to become financially independent. At that point in time security firms and shipping companies charged too much in royalties, it was nearly impossible for hard working individuals to break away from the cycle. When the Seestey brothers pitched the idea to some of their well-known associates the Syndicate was born.

The syndicate flourished in the early years. Profits were up, partnerships were being made and the Syndicate, or “Fids” as they liked to call themselves, were headed towards financial independence. Then disaster struck. One of the most respected members of the Syndicate became greedy. It is still unknown if the actions of Captain Blavos were premeditated from the beginning of the partnership, or if she simply saw a moment of opportunity. She used the 5DS’s code of conduct against them. Out in the main asteroid belt of the Sol system, near 156 Xanthippe, Captain Blavos set a trap. She sent a distress signal to the Syndicate members that were in the system busy unloading a profitable trade run on Earth. The escorts broke away from Earth orbit and rushed to the aid of Captain Blavos. When they arrived it looked as if Captain Blavos’ Constellation had landed on the small asteroid without a scratch. The two Specialists that were dispatched to assist landed their Hornets close by and approached the “Red Crow” with caution. Blake and Svedil had no clue that a small armada of ships were rapidly approaching from the far side of the asteroid as they entered the ship through the cargo platform. When they entered the bridge Captain Blavos and crew were waiting, guns drawn. Blake and Svedil had no choice but to surrender.

The profits and success that the Fifth Dimension Syndicate had gathered over the previous twenty-six months were lost. Captain Blavos used the Specialists as collateral and held them hostage until a sizeable deposit was made to her account. Against the gut feelings of the Covenant’s and Director’s recommendations, the Founders felt that the lives of two members were worth much more than the small fortune the group had accumulated. After the transfer had finished Captain Blavos and her band of traitors jumped from the system and were never heard from again. Contact signals trying to reach Blake and Svedil after the deal transfer went unanswered. Initially it was assumed that Blavos had disabled or destroyed both Hornet’s communications systems. Upon arrival by the rescue party a more gruesome outcome was discovered. Blavos had murdered Blake and Svedil and left a note pinned to Svedil’s chest. It read, “You will never find me or my crew so don’t even try. If we even feel like we’re being hunted or tracked this will be the fate of your family, friends, and fellow Syndicate. A word of advice, never trust a pirate in disguise. – Captain Blavos”

After the unspeakable incident on 156 the Syndicate leaders re-evaluated the organizations structure, recruitment process, and code of conduct. The pacifistic ways of the past were gone and measures were taken to ensure a future in which the Syndicate would thrive. The leaders vowed, “Never again”. A rigorous process for vetting members ensured that only the most loyal and trustworthy individuals become core members of the Syndicate.

As a reminder of the horrific incident that took place and in memorial to Svedil and Blake, the 5DS adopted the trademark numbers which can be seen on all Fifth Dimension Syndicate ships if you look close enough, “156”. R.I.P Brothers.