164th Special Recon & Assault Wing [164SRAW] - Organizations

History

History of the 164th Special Recon and Assault Wing (SRAW)
Origins in the UEE Navy (2945–2950)

The 164th Special Recon and Assault Wing (SRAW) traces its origins to the UEE Navy’s elite special operations branch, established in 2945 during the height of the Vanduul conflict, particularly following the devastating Battle of Vega II (2945). The unit was founded by Lieutenant Commander REDACTED, a revered stealth pilot whose exploits during the Vega campaign earned him the moniker “Ghost of the Void.” REDACTED, a citizen of the UEE born on Terra, was a veteran of numerous classified stealth operations, piloting modified F7A Hornets and prototype Sabre Firebirds to infiltrate Vanduul-controlled space.

The Battle of Vega II, where Vanduul forces razed Aremis, was a turning point for REDACTED. As part of the UEE Navy’s 2nd Fleet, he led a covert recon mission behind enemy lines, extracting critical intelligence on Vanduul fleet movements while evading their sensors. Despite heavy losses, REDACTED squadron survived, earning him the Silver Star of Valor and cementing his reputation as a master of stealth warfare. Inspired by this success, REDACTED proposed the formation of a specialized unit combining stealth reconnaissance with rapid-strike capabilities, leading to the creation of the 164th SRAW under the UEE Navy’s Special Operations Command.

The 164th was headquartered in the REDACTED System at Port REDACTED, a strategic orbital station above REDACTED, chosen for its proximity to UEE military-industrial hubs and jump points to contested systems like Vega and Tiber. The unit’s initial roster comprised hand-picked pilots and operatives trained in stealth technology, electronic warfare, and precision strikes. Their motto, “Silentium, Celeritas, Victoria” (Silence, Speed, Victory), reflected their doctrine of unseen infiltration and decisive action.

Military Traditions and Structure (2945–2952)

The 164th SRAW cultivated a culture steeped in military tradition, blending the UEE Navy’s discipline with REDACTED personal ethos of loyalty, adaptability, and honor. Key traditions included:

The Void Oath: Upon induction, members swore an oath under the stars of Stanton’s gas giant, Crusader, pledging to protect the UEE “from shadows unseen.” The ceremony, held in zero-gravity aboard a Retaliator bomber, symbolized their commitment to operating in the void.

REDACTED Gauntlet: A grueling training regimen designed by REDACTED, testing pilots in REDACTED Only those who completed the Gauntlet earned the 164th’s insignia: a black sabre crossed with a cloaked star.

The Silent Feast: An annual commemoration of the Battle of Vega II, held on October 11, where members dined in silence to honor fallen comrades. The feast featured Terran ashwine, a nod to REDACTED heritage, and a reading of the names of the lost.

The 164th’s structure mirrors a naval wing but is uniquely flexible, with three core divisions:

Specter Flight: Stealth pilots operating Sabre Fighters (Raven and Firebird) and Eclipse bombers for covert reconnaissance and surgical strikes.

Bravo Squad: Ground operatives trained in zero-G combat and infiltration, often deployed via Pisces Shuttles.

Ghost Support: Group of support vessels trained to keep the unit supplied far from home.

Under REDACTED leadership, the 164th conducted top-secret missions, including the Operation Nightshade (2947), a covert raid in the REDACTED System that disrupted a Vanduul clan’s supply lines, and Operation Umbra (2949), where they infiltrated a Xi’an black-site to recover stolen UEE tech. These missions solidified their reputation as the Navy’s premier stealth unit.

The Schism and Mercenary Transition (2952–2953)

The 164th’s trajectory changed during the UEE Naval Reorganization of 2952, a post-Messer Era reform aimed at reducing special operations budgets. The UEE High Command, under pressure from Centralist senators, proposed disbanding the 164th, arguing its stealth tactics were outdated against evolving Vanduul sensor technology. REDACTED, now a Commander, fiercely opposed the decision, believing the UEE was abandoning its most effective weapon against asymmetric threats.

Tensions peaked when Dillon was ordered to stand down during a Vanduul incursion in the Virgil System, where civilian outposts were at risk. Defying orders, he led the 164th on an unsanctioned mission, Operation Defiant Whisper, rescuing 300 colonists but exposing the unit’s activities to public scrutiny. The UEE branded REDACTED a rogue, and he was court-martialed in 2953. However, his crew’s loyalty was unshakable; over 80% of the 164th resigned in protest, following REDACTED into exile.

Faced with dissolution, REDACTED reorganized the 164th as an independent mercenary organization, officially registering it under the Mercenary Guild in the Stanton System in late 2953. The transition was controversial but pragmatic, allowing the 164th to maintain its traditions while operating outside UEE oversight. They relocated their headquarters to REDACTED in the Pyro System, a lawless hub that offered freedom from UEE regulations and proximity to high-risk, high-reward contracts.

Mercenary Era (2953–2955)
As a mercenary outfit, the 164th SRAW carved a niche as elite operators specializing in covert operations, asset recovery, and anti-piracy. Their services attracted clients ranging from megacorporations like REDACTED to outlaw factions seeking protection from the Nine Tails gang. Key operations included:

The REDACTED Contract (2954): The 164th was hired by an anonymous client to secure a derelict Bengal carrier in the lawless REDACTED System. Using stealth tactics, they outmaneuvered rival mercenaries and delivered the ship, earning a fortune in aUEC.

The Pyro Purge (2955): Engaged by REDACTED, the 164th conducted a series of strikes against Nine Tails outposts in Pyro, disrupting their smuggling operations. The campaign showcased their signature blend of stealth infiltration and rapid assaults.

Despite their mercenary status, the 164th retained its military traditions. REDACTED, now styled as “Warden” REDACTED, enforced strict discipline, ensuring the unit never took contracts that betrayed UEE civilians or aided Vanduul aggression. The 164th’s code, “Honor in Shadows”, prohibited indiscriminate piracy and emphasized protecting the vulnerable, earning them respect among independent pilots and scorn from outlaw gangs.

Current Status (2955)

In 2955, the 164th SRAW operates as a premier mercenary force, with a fleet of unknown size, including Sabre Ravens, Eclipses, and a flagship Idris frigate, the Silent Requiem, acquired through a high-stakes contract. Their base at REDACTED is a fortified hub, complete with a stealth training simulator and a memorial to Vega II’s fallen. The unit numbers REDACTED personnel, with a mix of ex-UEE veterans, REDACTED specialists, and even a few REDACTED.

REDACTED, now in his late 50s, remains the charismatic leader, though rumors persist of his declining health due to prolonged exposure to quantum drive radiation. His second-in-command, Captain REDACTED, a former Shadowstrike operative, is poised to take over, blending REDACTED stealth doctrine with her expertise in ground combat.

The 164th’s reputation draws both admiration and enmity. The UEE quietly contracts them for deniable operations, while the Nine Tails and Vanduul clans mark them as priority targets. Their annual Silent Feast now includes a toast to “freedom in the void,” reflecting their independence. The unit’s future is uncertain, with whispers of a major contract in the Hades System to investigate ruins tied to the ancient extinction event, potentially reshaping their legacy.

Manifesto

Manifesto of the 164th Special Recon and Assault Wing
“Silentium, Celeritas, Victoria” – Silence, Speed, Victory
Penned by Warden REDACTED, Ruin Station, Pyro System, 2953

Preamble
We, the operatives of the 164th Special Recon and Assault Wing, stand as guardians of the shadows, forged in the crucible of the United Empire of Earth’s Navy and tempered by the fires of the Battle of Vega II. Born under the command of Lieutenant Commander REDACTED, the Ghost of the Void, we are the inheritors of a legacy written in stealth, sacrifice, and unyielding resolve. Cast out by the bureaucracy of a faltering empire, we have claimed our freedom in the void, pledging to uphold honor where others falter, to strike where threats fester, and to protect those abandoned by the light of Sol. This manifesto declares our purpose, our code, and our unbreakable will to carve our destiny among the stars.

Article I: Our Genesis
In 2945, amidst the ashes of Vega II, the 164th was born. The Vanduul scourge taught us that survival demands precision, that victory requires silence, and that courage must dwell in the unseen. Under REDACTED’s command, we mastered the art of stealth warfare, piloting Sabre Ravens and Eclipse bombers through the jaws of death to deliver hope to the hopeless. Our triumphs in Operations Nightshade and Umbra proved our worth, yet the UEE’s High Command sought to chain our wings, deeming us relics in a galaxy they no longer understood. In 2952, we defied their orders to save lives in the Virgil System, and in 2953, we broke free, forging a new path as mercenaries bound by honor, not servitude.

Article II: Our Code – Honor in Shadows
The 164th SRAW is not a band of outlaws, nor are we slaves to coin. We are a brotherhood, a sisterhood, a fellowship of warriors who live by the Code of the Void:
Silence is Our Shield: We move unseen, striking with precision. Our enemies shall not hear our approach, nor see our blades until it is too late.
Speed is Our Spear: We act with unrelenting swiftness, turning the tide before our foes can muster. Hesitation is death; action is life.
Victory is Our Oath: We fight not for glory, but for the survival of those who cannot fight for themselves. Every mission is a vow to protect the vulnerable, be they UEE citizen or stateless wanderer.
Honor Above All: We reject contracts that betray the innocent or aid the Vanduul menace. Our blades serve justice, not chaos.
Loyalty to the Fallen: We carry the names of our comrades lost at Vega and beyond, ensuring their sacrifices guide our path. The Silent Feast binds us to their memory.

Article III: Our Mission
The galaxy is a crucible of conflict, torn between the UEE’s faltering grip, the Vanduul’s relentless hunger, and the lawless ambition of gangs like the Nine Tails. We, the 164th, stand as a beacon of order in the chaos. Our mission is threefold:
To Reconnoiter: We pierce the veil of the unknown, charting jump points, mapping threats, and gathering intelligence where others dare not tread.
To Strike: We deliver justice with surgical precision, whether dismantling pirate strongholds in Pyro or recovering stolen assets in Cathcart.
To Protect: We shield those abandoned by the UEE, from colonists on the frontier to traders caught in the crossfire. Where the Navy falters, we endure.

Article IV: Our Traditions
Our traditions are the steel in our spine, forged in the UEE Navy and honed in the void:
The Void Oath: Sworn beneath the stars of Crusader, we pledge our lives to the shadows, binding our fates to the 164th’s cause.
Dillon’s Gauntlet: A trial of skill and will, testing our pilots and operatives in the crucible of simulated combat. Only those who conquer the Gauntlet bear our insignia: the black sabre and cloaked star.
The Silent Feast: Each October 11, we gather in silence to honor the fallen of Vega II and all who have given their lives for our cause. With Terran ashwine, we toast their names, vowing never to forget.
The Warden’s Creed: Inspired by REDACTED, we recite, “In shadows we trust, in honor we stand, in victory we rise.” This creed is our heartbeat, spoken before every mission.

Article V: Our Independence
The UEE cast us out, branding us rogues for daring to act where they would not. We reject their chains, choosing Ruin Station in the Pyro System as our stronghold—a bastion of freedom where the lawless cannot bind us, and the corrupt cannot sway us. We are mercenaries, yes, but not for sale to the highest bidder. Our contracts serve our code, funding our fight to protect the galaxy’s fringes. To those who call us traitors, we say: we betrayed only cowardice, not humanity.

Article VI: Our Enemies
The 164th stands against all who threaten the innocent:
The Vanduul, whose raids sow death and despair, will find no mercy in our stealth.
The Nine Tails and their ilk, preying on the weak in systems like Pyro, will face our wrath.
The corrupt within the UEE, who trade lives for power, will know our vigilance.
We are not aggressors, but we are relentless. To our foes, we are the shadow that strikes; to our allies, the shield that endures.

Article VII: Our Vision
We envision a galaxy where the strong do not prey upon the weak, where the stars are a frontier of hope, not fear. The 164th SRAW will carve this future, one mission at a time. We will explore the uncharted, from the ruins of Hades to the farthest jump points. We will stand as a bulwark against chaos, whether in the corporate sprawl of Stanton or the anarchic wastes of Pyro. And we will honor REDACTED’s legacy, proving that even in the darkest void, honor can shine.

Article VIII: Our Call
To those who hear the call of the void, who seek purpose beyond the UEE’s bureaucracy or the outlaw’s greed, the 164th opens its ranks. Prove your worth in Dillon’s Gauntlet, swear the Void Oath, and join us in the shadows. Together, we will write our legend across the stars, not as servants, but as masters of our fate.

Signed in the Shadow of the Stars,
Warden REDACTED, Commander of the 164th SRAW
Captain REDACTED, Second-in-Command
Ruin Station, Pyro System, 2953

Charter

Charter of the 164th Special Recon and Assault Wing (SRAW)
Established: 2953, Ruin Station, Pyro System

“Silentium, Celeritas, Victoria” – Silence, Speed, Victory

Preamble

The 164th Special Recon and Assault Wing (SRAW), founded by [REDACTED] in the crucible of the Battle of Vega II, stands as a sovereign entity dedicated to precision, honor, and the protection of those forsaken by the stars. Having severed ties with the United Empire of Earth (UEE) in 2953, we declare this Charter to codify our structure, purpose, and principles. As mercenaries of the void, we pledge to uphold our sacred traditions, forged in the UEE Navy, while carving a path of independence in the galaxy’s frontier.

Article I: Purpose and Mission

Purpose: The 164th SRAW exists to conduct covert reconnaissance, rapid-strike operations, and protective missions in service of justice and survival, prioritizing the defense of the vulnerable over profit or power.

Mission Scope:
Reconnaissance: To explore uncharted systems, map jump points, and gather intelligence on threats such as the Vanduul and outlaw factions like the Nine Tails.

Assault: To execute precise, high-impact strikes against hostile forces, ensuring minimal collateral damage.

Protection: To safeguard civilian and independent interests in lawless regions, including the Pyro and Cathcart Systems.

Operational Ethos: All actions shall adhere to the Code of the Void, emphasizing stealth, speed, and honor, as outlined in the 164th SRAW Manifesto.

Article II: Organizational Structure
Leadership:

Warden: The supreme commander of the 164th, responsible for strategic direction and final authority on all contracts. The Warden is elected by a majority vote of the Council of Shadows and serves until resignation, incapacitation, or removal by unanimous Council vote. The founding Warden is [REDACTED].

Second-in-Command: The deputy leader, responsible for operational oversight and succession. The current Second-in-Command is [REDACTED].
Council of Shadows: A governing body of five senior officers, representing the three divisions (Specter Flight, Shadowstrike Company, Ghostcore Unit). The Council advises the Warden, approves major contracts, and oversees promotions.

Divisions:
Specter Flight: Pilots specializing in stealth spacecraft (e.g., Sabre Raven, Eclipse) for reconnaissance and surgical strikes. Led by a Flight Commodore.

Shadowstrike Company: Ground and zero-G operatives trained in infiltration and rapid assault, deployed via Prowler dropships. Led by a Strike Captain.

Ghost Support: Group of support vessels trained to keep the unit supplied far from home. Led by a Core Director.

Fleet: The 164th maintains a fleet of 50 vessels, including the flagship Silent Requiem (Idris), supported by a network of support craft and repair facilities at .
Headquarters: , Pyro System, serves as the primary base, with secondary outposts in the Stanton System for logistical support.

Article III: Membership and Recruitment

Eligibility:
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in stealth operations, combat, or electronic warfare, as tested through [REDACTED]’s Gauntlet, a rigorous simulation of Vanduul ambushes and zero-G combat.

Candidates must swear the Void Oath, pledging loyalty to the 164th and its Code of the Void, conducted in zero-gravity aboard the Silent Requiem.

No affiliation with the Vanduul or known criminal organizations (e.g., Nine Tails) is permitted.

Ranks:
Initiate: Entry-level members undergoing training.

Operative: Full members assigned to a division, eligible to vote in Council elections.

Veteran: Operatives with five years of service or exceptional merit, eligible for Council positions.

Officer: Leaders within divisions, appointed by the Council.

Citizenship: While many members are former UEE citizens, membership is open to non-citizens, including Banu and Tevarin descendants, provided they uphold the Code.

Termination: Members may resign voluntarily. Expulsion for violating the Code requires a Council vote and Warden approval. Expelled members forfeit all 164th assets and insignia.

Article IV: Code of Conduct

Adherence to the Code of the Void:
Operate with stealth and precision, minimizing harm to non-combatants.

Prioritize contracts that protect civilians or counter existential threats (e.g., Vanduul).

Refuse contracts aiding piracy, slavery, or Vanduul aggression.

Loyalty: Members shall prioritize the 164th’s mission and comrades above personal gain.
Betrayal of the unit or its principles is grounds for expulsion.

Honor: Members shall uphold the 164th’s reputation, treating allies and clients with respect and
fulfilling contracts to the letter, unless they conflict with the Code.

Commemoration: All members shall participate in the Silent Feast on October 11, honoring the fallen of Vega II and subsequent operations, reinforcing unit cohesion.

Discipline: Violations of the Code, including insubordination or reckless endangerment, will face sanctions ranging from demotion to expulsion, as determined by the Council.

Article V: Operations and Contracts
Contract Approval: All contracts must be vetted by the Council of Shadows to ensure alignment with the Code of the Void. Contracts are accepted from corporations, independent factions, or individuals, but never from Vanduul-aligned entities.

Operational Protocols:
Missions prioritize stealth, utilizing quantum drives, EMP warfare, and jump-point navigation.
Operatives must report all findings to the Ghostcore Unit for intelligence analysis.
Use of lethal force is authorized only against confirmed hostiles.

Revenue Allocation: Profits from contracts are distributed as follows:
40% to fleet maintenance and Station operations.
30% to member salaries, scaled by rank and mission contribution.
20% to the Vega Fund, supporting survivors of Vanduul attacks and displaced colonists.
10% to research and development of stealth technology.

Article VI: Relations with External Entities

UEE: The 164th maintains a neutral stance toward the UEE, accepting deniable contracts but rejecting direct re-assimilation. Former UEE operatives are welcome, provided they sever active ties.

Allied Factions: The 164th may ally with Banu traders, independent colonies, or corporations like Crusader Industries, provided their goals align with the Code.

Hostile Factions: The Vanduul and outlaw groups like the Nine Tails are designated enemies. Engagements with such factions are prioritized to protect civilian lives.

Xi’an and Banu: The 164th maintains cautious diplomacy, leveraging Banu tech expertise and respecting Xi’an sovereignty while remaining vigilant against their covert agendas.

Article VII: Traditions and Legacy
The Void Oath: Sworn annually by all members, reaffirming loyalty to the 164th and its mission. The oath is conducted in zero-gravity, symbolizing the unit’s domain in the void.

[REDACTED]’s Gauntlet: A mandatory trial for all recruits, testing stealth, combat, and teamwork under simulated conditions. Successful completion grants the 164th’s insignia: a black sabre crossed with a cloaked star.

Silent Feast: Held annually on October 11, commemorating the Battle of Vega II with a silent meal and the recitation of fallen members’ names, accompanied by Terran ashwine.

Warden’s Creed: Recited before missions: “In shadows we trust, in honor we stand, in victory we rise.” This creed, inspired by [REDACTED], binds the unit to its founding principles.

Legacy Preservation: The 164th maintains an archive aboard the Silent Requiem, documenting its missions and the stories of its members, ensuring their deeds endure.

Article VIII: Amendments and Dissolution
Amendments: This Charter may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Council of Shadows, with the Warden’s approval, to adapt to new galactic conditions.

Dissolution: The 164th may only be dissolved by unanimous Council vote and Warden consent. In such an event, assets will be distributed to the Vega Fund, and the Silent Requiem will be scuttled to prevent misuse.

Article IX: Declaration
We, the 164th Special Recon and Assault Wing, stand as a beacon in the void, guided by the vision of [REDACTED] and the sacrifices of our fallen. From Ruin Station, we declare our resolve to protect, to strike, and to endure. Let the stars bear witness: we are the shadows that guard the light, the silent force that shapes the future.
Signed in the Void, 2953
Warden [REDACTED], Commander
[REDACTED], Second-in-Command
Council of Shadows: [REDACTED] (Specter Flight), [REDACTED] (Shadowstrike Company), [REDACTED] (Ghostcore Unit), [REDACTED], [REDACTED]

164th Special Recon & Assault Wing / 164SRAW

History

Manifesto

Charter