BelGareth
The Celestial Vanguard, a colossal marvel of interstellar engineering, hovered in the cavernous maw of the shipyard, bathed in the dim glow of artificial lights that cast a faint, industrial haze over its imposing silhouette. The shipyard itself seemed like a city built within the hollowed-out heart of an asteroid, a labyrinthine expanse of scaffolds, gantries, and catwalks that surrounded the Vanguard like an intricate web spun by an otherworldly architect.

As rivulets of condensation trickled down the polished metal hull, the atmosphere resonated with the thrum of machinery and the distant clinks of tools on metal. A sense of restrained energy permeated the air, as if the very space around the Vanguard held its breath, waiting for a momentous event to unfold.

Slowly, almost ponderously, the Celestial Vanguard began to stir. The low hum of its engines resonated through the shipyard, reverberating against the walls and mingling with the distant echoes of chatter and the soft hiss of steam. Gently, like a great beast rousing from slumber, the ship's landing struts retracted, lifting its massive bulk from the support structures below.

The shipyard's workers, dwarfed by the Vanguard's gargantuan form, paused in their tasks to watch the spectacle. They knew that they were witnessing a piece of history, an event that marked the culmination of countless hours of toil and ingenuity. Their faces were illuminated by the ethereal glow of the ship's navigation lights, their expressions a mix of awe and pride.

With each movement, the Vanguard seemed to gather momentum, the gentle rumble of its engines growing more pronounced. Slowly, almost gracefully, it began to glide forward, its progress marked by the creaking of metal and the rhythmic pounding of its thrusters. The shipyard's walls, adorned with banners and symbols of the Union, passed by in a steady procession, a testament to the unity of purpose that had birthed this mighty vessel.

As the Vanguard inched its way out of the shipyard's embrace, a sense of anticipation hung in the air like a tangible entity. The shipyard's denizens watched in hushed reverence, their breaths held, as the ship's bow breached the threshold and entered the void beyond.

And then, with a sense of finality, the Celestial Vanguard slipped free from its moorings, venturing into the vast expanse of space. The shipyard's entrance receded into the distance, its twinkling lights fading into pinpricks against the canvas of the cosmos. A profound stillness settled upon the scene, a quiet moment of transition between the known and the unknown.

Farther and farther the Vanguard drifted, its outline growing faint against the backdrop of stars. And then, as if scripted by fate itself, a swirling distortion of space materialized ahead. A portal, a conduit between the far-flung reaches of the universe, beckoned like a siren's call. With steady resolve, the Vanguard's engines flared to life once more, propelling it toward the enigmatic blink portal.

In the moment before the ship's entry, time seemed to stretch, each heartbeat resonating like a drumbeat of anticipation. And then, with a surge of power and a silent roar, the Celestial Vanguard plunged into the portal's embrace, disappearing from sight in a flash of light and a ripple of spatial distortion.

The shipyard stood empty, the echoes of its once-bustling activity silenced by the void left in the wake of the Vanguard's departure. The Celestial Vanguard, a symbol of Union's might and a beacon of hope, was now embarked on a journey into the unknown, carrying the Shining Spears towards their destiny amidst the stars.

In the depths of hyperspace, where the boundaries of reality blurred into an ethereal tapestry of shifting colors and distant stars, the lancers slumbered in their cryo-pods, their forms suspended in a dreamless embrace. Around them, the hum of the ship's systems created an ambient symphony, a lullaby that whispered of the cosmos beyond.

Amidst the soft chorus of the ship's machinery, a singular voice emerged, warm and melodious like the notes of an old Earth ballad. "Wakey, wakey, my fine lancers," the voice chimed with a faint chuckle, as if bearing the jovial weight of countless stories and shared pints.

As if stirred by the gentle call, the lancers' cryo-pods began to hiss and shudder, releasing tendrils of frosty mist that dissipated into the air. One by one, the lids lifted, revealing groggy but conscious pilots, blinking against the stark light of the awakening chamber.

Before them stood a digital projection, coalescing into the figure of a portly man with a handlebar mustache that curled upwards like a pair of majestic wings. His attire was an intriguing blend of a tailored vest and bowtie, an ensemble that evoked a sense of old-world charm and familiarity.

With an English accent as rich as aged whiskey, the figure greeted them,  "Ah, good morning to you, my fine sirs and madams. Allow me to introduce myself, for I am, as they say, your humble host and companion in this astral realm. A pleasure to make your acquaintance!" 

He extended a virtual hand, gesturing as if inviting them into a virtual tavern, where the comforting ambiance of a rustic pub materialized around them. The sound of clinking glasses and soft laughter filled the air, and the sensation of sitting on well-worn bar stools was almost tangible.

"As for our current location," the portly man continued with a twinkle in his digital eyes,  "we find ourselves in a rather unconventional establishment, wouldn't you say? Now, don't be alarmed, my dear lancers. You're in the good company of the Hyperlane Breeze, an NHP of impeccable taste and hospitality." 

Leaning on the imaginary bar, the digital figure assumed a thoughtful expression.  "You see, Union has activated you all for a most noble endeavor. A rebellion, a world in turmoil, and the shimmering beacon of hope that is the Shining Spears. Yes, you're the tip of the spear, the vanguard of justice, and you'll be dropping into the heart of Orthos Secundus." 

A holographic map of the planet materialized above the bar, displaying key locations and strategic points of interest. The figure pointed towards the map with an air of purpose. "Your mission, dear lancers, is to quell the rebellion, restore order, and bring the embrace of Union's benevolent light to those in need."

With a hearty chuckle, the figure leaned closer, his eyes sparkling.  "You're the heroes of this grand tale, my friends. The ones who shall vanquish darkness and usher in a new dawn. So, bottoms up, raise your virtual glasses, and let us toast to the bright future that awaits!" 

The holographic figure shimmered and faded, leaving behind a sense of camaraderie and purpose. The ambient sounds of the tavern lingered, an echo of the NHP's jovial introduction, as the lancers prepared to embark on their mission as the Shining Spears, awakened in the depths of hyperspace to forge a destiny among the stars.

You each receive a data packet on Orthos Secundus, you will apparently be dropping hot directly into the front lines. The local Navy was doing fine, until the Orthos system, where they encountered heavy resistance, which culminated with the current situation, they landed on Orthos Secundus to destroy the local Capitol as a show of force, and well....this happened. The Commodore has been summarily fired, and a new Commodore elevated from one of the capital ships captains, Commodore Becca, a former Lancer pilot retired and turned naval captain. You have orders to hot drop, and rendezvous with her General on the ground.
Volthawk
Tobias frowns as he comes to. Cyro always gave him a sore head for a while. Wasn't sure why. And when he was like that...this damn forced positivity was just annoying. With that in mind, Tobias just endures the speech with a glare at the projection before he can get to work assessing the situation and what they needed to do. It was...a little familiar, a little reminiscent of the old days before the Shining Spears.

  "So the job's less bringing light, hope and justice and more just breaking their stuff, and that city, until the enemy concedes. Got it. Anything down there that's been major trouble for our lot? Or is it just attrition?"  
Gaiyamato
Dammon slowly awakens, his flesh waking up much slower than the many cybernetic implants in his body. Heads up displays only he can see flicker into being before his half opened eyes as he normalises his breathing and blood pressure. Atmospheric data along with the fact he is on an ship already in hyperspace filter across his feeds. Storm sitting ready to go in the hangar.

   *System boot completed.
*All systems functional.    
   *Identify   
   *Celestial Vanguard.
*Current heading - Orthos Secundus upper orbit.   
   *Storm activate.   
   *Located.
*Starting Storm internal boot sequence.
*Storm systems normal.   

It was at this moment the flesh all caught up and the cryo headache washed over him. His muscles - those that weren't cybernetic - ached, his heart pumping hard to bring his blood pressure up.

   *Bio check.   
   *Bio functions within normal range.
*Expected side effects from cryo sleep reported by medical central computer.   
 "Ugh. Waking up is always the worst part."  he said out loud, partly to himself, and partly in response to the person talking nearby. He listened to the introduction and explanation of their mission for a moment.  "More civil wars tearing more planets apart."  he said quietly.

Standing Dammon stretched his waking muscles and looked at his cybernetic hands as he flexed them before turning to his locker and retrieving his clothing.
Llyarden
Rio didn't immediately emerge from his cryopod when it opened.  Instead, he lay there for a few moments, looking around, letting himself adjust after the stasis and take in his surroundings...and then there was a pub.

When he did emerge from his pod, a good few seconds after the others, it was in a swift movement, reflexively checking behind him, where he hadn't been able to see from inside the pod, before turning his attention to the NHP.  If it had been a human doing this briefing, he wouldn't have been impressed by the showy digital projection.  As it was...well, he still wasn't  exactly  impressed, but NHPs were weird and he was willing to consider the possibility that the pub facade was an integral part of Hyperlane Breeze.

 "And give the opportunity for the capitol to be rebuilt to help the innocent people caught up in this,"  he said softly, as the NHP enumerated their goals.

Aside from that, though, he stayed silent, and once the NHP had disappeared he would start to move towards the mech bay without a further word.
Rakaydos
Untangling his large frame from the standard cryotube  took Setsuna a few seconds. growling in annoyance, he had little to say to the briefing.
BelGareth
As the NHP's projection faded away, leaving behind the remnants of the holographic tavern, the lancers began to stir and exchange their thoughts on the situation. Tobias's skepticism hung in the air like a weight, his words echoing a sense of pragmatism amidst the idealism. Dammon's cybernetic components hummed to life, syncing seamlessly with his biological functions as he contemplated the ongoing cycle of conflict that seemed to engulf the galaxy. Rio's watchful gaze took in the surroundings, a mixture of caution and readiness apparent in his demeanor.

But as the lancers settled into their introspection, a sudden shift in the ship's dynamics snapped their attention to the present. The comforting hum of the Hyperlane Breeze altered, replaced by a subtle unease that tugged at their senses. Warning lights blinked to life, casting a crimson hue upon the corridors. The ship's AI voice cut through the air, urgent and measured.

 "Attention, Shining Spears. Gravity anomaly detected in our vicinity. Hyperspace turbulence increasing. Brace for potential impact and prepare for zero-g combat protocols." 

The ship's artificial gravity wavered, becoming erratic as if the very fabric of hyperspace itself was buckling around them. Objects floated off shelves and surfaces, drifting through the air with an otherworldly grace. The lancers felt a disorienting sensation as their bodies seemed to lose the accustomed pull of gravity.

The air around them became weightless, an ethereal dance of suspended items and shifting dynamics. The training of the Shining Spears kicked in, and the lancers adapted swiftly to the zero-g environment. Gripping handrails and surfaces, they found themselves floating within the corridors, their movements graceful yet determined.

 "Stay focused,"  the ship's AI reminded them.  "Prepare for any potential threats that might emerge from the anomaly. Assume combat readiness." 

Amidst this surreal dance of weightlessness, the ship's AI manifested a holographic projection detailing the gravity anomaly. It was a maelstrom of energy, a whirling tempest that appeared as if it could rend the very fabric of hyperspace apart. Just beyond the reaches of the Orthos system, the anomaly pulsed with an unsettling power. However, something was amiss. The way the various ships clustered and spun within its grasp wasn't just chaotic – it was strategic. The truth was clear: this was a meticulously crafted event, a gravity net cast wide to ensnare the vessels of the void-sea.

 "Stay alert,"  the ship's AI urgently communicated.  "We're facing an orchestrated event. Hostile intentions are highly probable. Prepare for potential boarding actions." 

As the lancers absorbed this information, their mech displays illuminated with zero-g combat protocols and enhanced navigation overlays. The corridor's lighting transformed into a crimson strobe, conjuring eerie shadows that pirouetted alongside the drifting objects.
watupwithdat
The sudden change in situation made Batel go from half-groggy to high alert in an instant, a joking jab directed at Dammon dying on his lips.

Shrugging the last of the cryo grogginess off, he started making his way to the hangar where Testament was waiting for him.  "Let's make any boarders regret their actions real quick."  he said over his shoulder to the other lancers.
Rakaydos
Setsuna growled, and looked around for his personal belongings. Drawing an alloy Composite blade, he turned to the NHP. "Are our mechs in the usual place?"
Volthawk
Zero-G combat, huh. It wasn't Tobias' preference - he'd done it before, of course, and knew what to do, but he just preferred it when down meant down - and his mech wasn't built for it, but they were hardly in a position to do anything about it.

He just responds to Batel's statement with a nod as the group moves towards the hangar, but Setsuna's question needs more of a verbal response.   "Should be, last I heard before cryo they were going to be printed ready for-"   He pauses as a message comes through his dataplating -   "-coming soon, already in their coffins. Let us finish the job of their burial in-"   - before sighing and nodding.   "Yeah. They're ready for us. My NHP is getting impatient."  
Llyarden
 "Our forces in Orthos aren't capable of preventing this?"   Rio flitted down the hallway - as was his habit for most things, he'd practiced the maneuvers far more than was necessary, but this was the first time he'd had to navigate the Vanguard in zero-g in a real combat situation - tapping a subtly-concealed button of what had appeared until this moment to be a comfortable tank top and trousers, causing the undersuit to revert to an opaque, grey camo texture and enclose his head before he made his way towards his hardsuit and rifle, and from there towards the mech bays.   "They must need even more help than we thought." 
BelGareth
Running, hopping, and bouncing you try your best to both don your hardsuits, and move as fast as possible towards the Mechs Berthing area, it wasn't easy, and the strobing amber lights added a surreal effect made worse by the looming padded hallways, and then, by the sudden lurching of the entire  ship , something, somewhere....*popped*, you could feel it in your being, it tugged on your consciousness, and there was an ethereal strangeness that permeated the air that you could almost taste, the AG had been bought offline, and you began to float, moving in the direction you were last moving in, those 0G experts among you, noticed the telltale signs, and grabbed a hold of something. Everything not strapped down began to float, another sound went off like a firecracker, several muffled *booms* one after the after, a daisy chain of stomach lurching intensity, and then everything began to slowly spin in a helix...the engines must have been hit.

You manage to make your way to the main ExfHallway, the hallmark corridors that run the length of the ship and are mainstays of ships like this one, allowing mechs to move through the ship, and for quick deployment, once in the 7hf5 Port Side ExfHall, you found Marine squads setting up choke points, man served crew weapons, disposable anti-armor rockets were markedly absent, instead napalm rockets, thermite tipped rounds, haywire enhancers, scrambler warheads, and EMP Darts; all munitions that wouldn't penetrate the ships hull.

All around the hallway, you can see defense shields being emplaced, sentries, direct fire mortars, and squads getting ready, and you quickly realize, all of these men are most likely going to die, unless you get into your cockpit, and defend them, and the ship.

At the same time, at the far end of the hallway, towards the aft, a giant explosion of black dark smoke erupts, and a segment of the wall collapses, and all hell breaks lose as the steel black of an enemy Mech steps through, all of your hud's light up suddenly, call signs, status reports, combat enhancers began pumping, and you can now see the callsign of the uninvited guest:  Dreadnought Serenade .

 
 Spoiler 

You can keep on heading to get to your mechs, or stay and fight?
 
Volthawk
Tobias may have had some zero-G experience, but that didn't stop him having a few mishaps on the journey through the listing ship, including a few run-ins with the random objects that tended to fill the space in circumstances like these. Luckily, his hardsuit is about as heavy as you can get without veering into mech territory, so little of it actually stops him.

He moves through the marine squads without much of a second glance - not like they can do anything for them right now - but the enemy mech's arrival gives him a moment's pause. Not a particularly long one, since the decision seems pretty clear to him. Man versus mech. Nobody's going to bet on the man. With that in mind, he keeps moving towards the hangar, giving his mech's NHP an update on their progress so it'd be ready for them.
Rakaydos
(Are we done with the opening cinematic yet? of course we're going for our mechs)
BelGareth
Leaving the grunts to their own fate, you all rush to the berthing area of your Mechs, the hangar was huge, but you were used to it after a hundred hundred drops, however the amount of times this ship has been breached could be counted on one hand, and so you rush to your loading scaffold, running, and jumping to get to your cockpits as the amber lights bathed the room in flashing strobes. As you power up, you can hear the comms from the grunts protecting your ingress, and the sounds are not good.

HUDS confirm the data, as the squads being to fall one by one.

As you all come online, a familiar voice begins speaking in your ear, the ship's Captain, Rosalita Delarosa, her tone laced with urgency and authority,  "Lancers, this is Captain Delarosa. We find ourselves in a dire situation. Hostile boarders have breached the Celestial Vanguard. I need you to defend this ship at all costs. These invaders are after something, and we cannot allow them to succeed."
 
The comms channel crackles with a mix of tension and determination as Captain Delarosa continues,  "Our priority is to protect the ship and its crew. Engage the enemy mechs and repel their advance. Remember your training, trust your instincts, and watch each other's backs." 

The holographic displays in your mechs light up with incoming data, highlighting the enemy signatures but there was static, and the information was incomplete. The situation is grim, but you know that you are the last line of defense for the Celestial Vanguard and all those onboard.

Captain Delarosa's voice remains resolute,  "Lancers, you are the Shining Spears, the vanguard of Union's might. You carry the hopes of countless lives. Fight with honor, fight with courage, and may Union's light guide your path. Captain Delarosa, out." 
 
 Spoiler 

Roll an agility check (1d20+agility) for initiative please and choose a starting place in the berthing area.

 map 
 
Rakaydos
 (d20)[ 12 ]  Setsuna initiative
Rakaydos
(What's the hold up?)