Hey Nineteen: SCUL Day 2015

34 pilots set out for fun and adventure to celebrate SCUL's 19th orbital in the usual fashion. As per the mission briefing, dress uniform was in effect, with colors flying and logo tattoos bedecking the ranks on this auspicious stardate. The fleet gathered at the launchpad for a few words of remembrance for fallen pilots, as well as for the christening of Deadblow’s new ship, the impressively double-helmed BFH Honey Buzzard. The sonic disruptor array thundered to life and pilots fell into line behind navigator Dr. Claw, who began the mission with a triumphal lap as the funk boomed and heralded our advance into Davis Constellation. Passing food cheered in approval, as is tradition, as we chopped our way onwards into the night.

We stopped at a familiar refueling station in order to acquire sufficient provisions for our journey, and shortly after re-embarking the fleet was forced to halt when War’s propulsion transfer conduit suffered a minor mechanical. Soon we were en route once again, making a u-turn to avoid an ST blockade around Kendall, and stopping for a quick fuel-dump opportunity where pilot Spark acquired a cluster of helium-powered aerial apparatus, and several klingons joined to swell our ranks. We proceeded over the Charles Asteroid belt, and fearless navigator Dr Claw guided us to a wormhole which advanced our mission closer to its ultimate destination. Emerging in the Jamaica Plain system, the fleet made a conspicuous orbit of a rather large black hole before disengaging the lasers, silencing the sonic disruptors, and continuing into the ominous darkness of the Arboretum.

As we crept forward into the cool forested territory, a mysterious bright light appeared from the rear, beaming ahead and apparently gaining on us. This prompted a moment of confusion and several calls of ‘incoming!’ - was this an ST, or other enemy combatant? Perhaps a rogue presence intent on discovering our mission? Speed and terror increased as we huffed and puffed in an attempt to outrun the interloper. In the darkness and confusion, 13 pilots discovered that they had become separated from the rest of the fleet, and were now stranded at the bottom of a g-well. As we took a quick inventory of personnel, the pursuer revealed himself - it was none other than Deathtrap, who joined the small satellite group as they reunited with the remainder of the fleet. Ahead lay one last final push up an immense negi g-well that forced even some of the most battle-hardened pilots to spacewalk.

At the top, pilots were rewarded with excellent views, and the Fleet Admiral unleashed the funk once more in celebration of our glorious ascent. Many pilots expressed their joy by orbiting the fleet sans spacesuit. Soon it was time for the knighting of Rocket, who earned his rank by presenting the fleet with a KnightSaber cleverly outfitted with color changing capabilities. Subsequently, it was Dixit’s turn to be knighted, and she bestowed a maggot shield, expertly crafted to protect the heads of recruits during their training period. Hugs were shared and steering dampener was distributed. Finally, pilots learned the location of a secret place, after braving a short stint of bushwhacking with unknown quantities of poison ivy potentially threatening to bar the way.

After a joyous and freewheeling descent, the fleet emerged into civilized territory, where Bieber Fever’s navigational thruster suffered a blowout so severe that it was audible to many nearby pilots. A few pilots took this opportunity to burn up while Threespeed took the lead in resolving the mechanical. Soon we were on our way, as the daystar crept higher into the sky and threatened us with space sickness. Weary but triumphant, the battalion returned to the launchpad and many medals were awarded as the commemoration of SCUL’s 19th orbital was deemed a success.