:open_file_folder: Mission Log: Operation Iron Cypher Security Clearance: Black Market Baron Command Level Location: Stanton System > Transit via Gateway > Levski (Nyx Sector) Status: Mission Objectives Achieved (Despite Systemic Sabotage) Logged By: Data Swami I. Strategic Overview: The Thanksgiving Protocol It is now undeniable. The UEE, likely utilizing Hurston Dynamics' sub-space infrastructure, has engaged a suppression algorithm I have designated the "Thanksgiving Protocol." We detected massive interference across our recruitment channels yesterday, a deliberate attempt to intercept our comms and stifle the growth of the Orbital Outlaws. They fear the expansion of the Black Market Barons into Pyro and beyond. Despite their efforts to silence the signal, we initiated the Iron Cypher Audition to filter the capable from the cannon fodder. We anticipated resistance; we did not anticipate a system-wide conspiracy of chaos. II. Phase 1: The "Quiet" Sector Anomaly We selected what our telemetry indicated were the low-traffic sectors of Stanton for the initial checkpoints. That intelligence proved woefully optimistic. Operative SmithOfDreams reported significant civilian congestion, describing the attempts of amateur pilots to dock large vessels as resulting in "fireworks." It appears Hurston flooded the zone with incompetent contractors to impede our operations. III. The KingDuxks Velocity & The "Friendly" Fire Our first contender, KingDuxks, displayed an alarming level of velocity. He navigated the initial checkpoints with efficiency, locating Operative 1 (SmithOfDreams) and Operative 2 (MikeTheVike) rapidly. Tactical Incident Report: Upon arrival at MikeTheVike's position, KingDuxks exhibited a trait we must monitor: aggressive kinetic negotiation. After MikeTheVike's Clipper was unceremoniously destroyed by a pair of mercenary Talons, KingDuxks arrived and delivered a "love tap" to the stranded operative. While I appreciate ruthlessness, knocking out our own personnel during a rescue is... inefficient. IV. The Casualty: Sheg7 Our second participant, Sheg7, arrived in a shiny white Intrepid—a loaner ship, likely tracked by UEE sensors. Regrettably, contact was lost shortly after the first checkpoint. It is highly probable they were intercepted by the same "smart alec" mercenaries in Talons that engaged MikeTheVike, or perhaps they simply fell victim to the comms jamming. SmithOfDreams hustled them along, but the trail went cold. Not every candidate possesses the fortitude to pass the Iron Cypher. V. Operative Smith's Rescue & The Brios Congestion I must commend SmithOfDreams for his adaptability. With MikeTheVike shipless, on foot, and rapidly running out of oxygen due to the "Thanksgiving Protocol" interference, Smith initiated a tactical rescue in his Terrapin. Combat Efficiency: Smith engaged and neutralized the two hostile Talons while en route, noting he barely scratched the paint on his trusty ship. Environmental Hazards: Upon arrival at Brios to stabilize MikeTheVike, Smith noted the absurdity of the local traffic. Hurston Dynamics clearly initiated new cargo missions to clog the area, resulting in a C2 Hercules attempting to land repeatedly in a manner that defied physics. VI. The "Levski Detour" Anomaly (GFA & CaptainAshtro) The team of @GFAplays and @CaptainAshtro executed a maneuver that defies all tactical logic. Navigational Deviation: After a highly questionable landing recorded by our operative in Orison, they detoured out of the system entirely to Levski—specifically to Café Musain. Intoxication Protocol: They transmitted a "god awful selfie" to the Barons' secure channel, confirming the acquisition of Jinx Gin. Flight Telemetry: Their return vector to MikeTheVike's position was erratic. Visual confirmation suggested the pilots were operating under "Levski beverage" influence. While unprofessional, their ability to navigate whilst compromised suggests a high tolerance for chaos—a useful trait for an Outlaw. VII. The Hurston Infiltration (Subject: OnlyMrO) The situation regarding Operative 3 (OnlyMrO) warrants a Level 5 Security Review. I suspect the atmospheric processors in Lorville are pumping a psycho-active compound designed to embed subliminal loyalty codes into residents. The "River Tam" Effect: MrO began exhibiting signs of conditioning breakdown. The "gas" appeared to trigger a sleeper protocol, forcing him to broadcast our internal plans. Cutter's Rig Confrontation: The atmospheric stabilizers around the rig were malfunctioning—likely Hurston weather manipulation. MrO was fighting internal voices instructing him to terminate the participants. KingDuxks' Interaction: Arrived first. Despite the chaotic weather and MrO's internal monologue fighting the gas, KingDuxks secured the package. The Gin Squad Arrival: GFA and Ash arrived later, performing another "rough landing." MrO’s conditioning nearly broke completely; he fired shots at the approaching team. Thankfully, his aim was compromised by his internal struggle (and perhaps the weather). They secured their package and departed, albeit with a distinct wobble. VIII. The Standoff at Samson's Son I held the position at the final rendezvous point (Samson's Son). The sector was suspiciously quiet, save for a UEE Perseus that downed a Buccaneer and an Arrow nearby. I was forced to deploy countermeasures, firing two Boomtube warning shots to encourage them to reconsider their approach vector. They retreated, but their presence confirms we were being watched. KingDuxks arrived first in a battle-scarred Terrapin, delivering the package and becoming the first graduate of the Iron Cypher. I briefed him on the transition to Nyx for the Remembrance Day tribute. IX. The Grand Convoy With all surviving participants gathered, and the plushies secured, we escalated our force projection. We would not sneak into Nyx; we would arrive as Titans. KingDuxks: Piloting an Idris. OnlyMrO: Piloting an Idris. MikeTheVike: Piloting an Idris. Myself: Piloting the Browncoat's Vengeance (Idris). Result: A four-Idris convoy transiting the gateway to Levski. A statement of absolute power. Even Crow would have been impressed, though he'd likely complain about the fuel costs. X. The Levski Purge & Conclusion We successfully navigated the gateway and landed at Levski to place the plushies at the Anthony Tanaka statue. It was a moment of triumph. However, the Thanksgiving Protocol struck its final blow. Just as the tribute was laid, the items were scrubbed from existence. It appears Hurston has infiltrated the janitorial subroutines of Levski’s code, resulting in immediate asset deletion to dishonor the memory of Tanaka. Strategic Assessment: We cannot allow this level of interference. Hurston Dynamics is poisoning the minds of our operatives and scrubbing our presence from our home system. Our next phase of operations must focus on reversing this infiltration. We need to analyze the chemical composition of the Lorville gas and develop a counter-agent for MrO before he goes full Reaver. End Log https://orbitaloutlaws.tv/events/story Join the Discord to be a part of our Future Operations! - https://discord.gg/D8pzFZBwre